Kayleigh

Okay, this is a lot of thoughts. I... don't know where to even begin.

First, let me say [Kingfisher] is the /epitome/ of a green flag boyfriend. Because what do you mean, he understands that Saeris is her own person, and should be free to make her own decisions even though he's mated to her? Because most of the mated pairs I've read about at least think they have SOME control over their fated. I love me a supportive MMC, with no question whatsoever that the FMC can handle her own shit.

Also, where can I get me my own Carrion Swift? I thought he was great in Quicksilver, but my god do I need a carbon copy of him right now. I don't even need him to be my boyfriend, I just need his company as a friend. The way he supports Saeris the entire time, knowing that he isn't nearly up to the same strength that she is. The way he knows just how to break the tension, in the best way possible. His whole freaking self-discovery was a story on it's own. I feel like I read 3 books in one; The Story of Saeris, The Story of Kingfisher, & The Story of Carrion Swift.

Callie really outdid herself with this book. I truly was dropping my jaw at all moments of the book. When I thought characters were going to turn on us, when I thought characters would die, when I thought characters would be stuck apart or left behind. Ugh, the ups and downs kept me reeling.

Towards the middle end, after Saeris had the book from Edina for a while and started to 'magically' figure things out, it got a little tropey. But it wasn't so bad that it deterred me from continuing. Honestly, the idea of Edina leading Saeris from the past is so well written. Edina knows that Saeris is going to want to open the book and read ahead. But she also knows that despite her undying curiosity, she's not going to risk the lives of those she holds dear and take the risks. It just feels like Saeris randomly knowing things without it being in the book is a little TOO reaching.

Finally having a different name to call Fisher though, ugh my heart is so happy. While I love the idea of his name origins, and that the Fae cannot reveal their true names, it just fits him so much better. And his nickname she immediately gives him? UGH my heart 💙. But I was NOT expecting the fact that he was a half-god?! Like...okay, that didn't show anywhere to me!

I figured that brimstone would have to come from dragons, being that the only other source they could get it from was the fire sprites. What else lives off the heat that they need to survive, but also replenishes it's own source? Dragons! I don't forgive Callie for Onyx though. Not even a little. Bringing him back does not relieve me of the trauma of losing him 😭.

All in all, I truly loved this book. It was a gift that kept on giving. I loved the arc spent with Fisher & Carrion, them becoming more allies than enemies. I loved learning about the friends that Saeris was beginning to have, and their own paths. I loved seeing her come into her powers more, and start to feel like she ACTUALLY belongs there.

This book was dense. I genuinely felt like I read 3 different books in the span of a week. (Not that that's not uncommon, but still.) I kept expecting the book to end, only for it to continue. There were many places that Callie could have ended it, driving us crazy with suspense. Where it did end though, was perfect. It was enough of a cliffhanger to make you scream "WTF", but also didn't leave us in complete limbo; we knew that our favorites were alive, we knew that Onyx was not dead, everyone was accounted for, and we weren't left wondering about too many things. The whole thing with Everlayne is still up in the air, but we know that she is at least alive and within a safe place. We know what happened to Tal, Zovena, and Renfis. We know that Hayden is struggling, but he's alive and protected for the time being. She could have ended it so much worse, but she gave us the peace of knowing that the only uncertainty lay with our two MCs.

Bravo, Callie. Truly. I cannot wait for the 3rd and (I believe) final book in the series. I can't wait to see where she takes our favorites, and how this story ends. Everything leads to Saeris dying; but will she truly, or will someone else maybe take her place? Hayden, perhaps? 👀

I know what you're thinking. 3 stars?! How could you rate the throne scene 5, and the whole book 3?? On my page, I'll have a detailed breakdown of my rating system. Going into 2026, I want to be more accurate with my book ratings. However, that is not this post. Onto the review!

I adored this book. It took me a few days to complete, but that was not due to the book at all. I was tired, and in a weird slump for a bit while trying to read this. However, I did read over 200 pages in a single day once I got out of the slump!

I love the way that the author wrote these characters.

Kadeesha is such a strong FMC, but while she is strong, she does lose her self importance in the beginning of the book. Kadeesha talks about how she has tried to prove her worth to her dad that she is more suited to other roles rather than being the betrothed to Rishaud. She is so determined to live her life as her own, and has value in herself for that. But when push comes to shove, she cows to her father. I feel like this is necessary for her as a character, because otherwise she wouldn't have found her way later in the book. All the while, she shows her protectiveness of the things she cares for, and how proud she is of the things she's built. She is clearly looked upon by her peers and subjects as someone to admire and strive to be like.

Malachi is the broody MMC shadow daddy, and he has all the right to be

So, because I was an impatient person after I finished book 1 & immediately dove into book 2, this is a combined review of the two books, leaning more towards The Night Prince.

For starters, this is the first ‘official' adult wolf shifter trope book that I've read. It was definitely an interesting introduction. I have read other romantasy books with wolves, but its different.

Now, to speak on the books themselves, wow. The Wolf King felt very predictable to me, in a way that I could guess what would happen. Not that that is a bad thing, at all. And there were definitely moments that took a twist or turn that did catch me. But it was enjoyable. I had suspected about Blake for a bit, but there was a turning point that had me switching sides like I was a light switch. From then on, it was me screaming at Aurora and anticipating everything.

There was also a few times I had to set the book down to cool off too. It was getting pretty spicy, and unfortunately I decided to pick this series up right before Thanksgiving. What a mistake on my part, I had to be composed and socialize.

But at the end of book one, I just couldn't stop myself and immediately picked up The Night Prince. And my attention was hooked entirely. The Night Prince was a lot less predictable to me, but that might not be the case for everyone.

The Night Prince kept me wanting. Every time I thought i knew what exactly was going on, there was a slight shift; my guesses were almost right. My heart kept pulling and pulling, and all I could think of was Rhysand with Feyre during ACOMF. The yearning that he has for her, while knowing she despises him. Ugh, that's like my absolute favorite.

By the end, I was blown away. There is so much that happens in The Night Prince. It keeps giving and giving, before leaving you high and dry. I cannot wait for the third book. Summer 2026 cannot come fast enough. The book is dense, without feeling like it's super long. I kept checking how many pages I had, because I didn't want the story to end.

If you are craving the tension and yearning from ACOTAR and have yet to find it, i highly suggest picking up this series. It is one of the few that has given me the exact same high.

꧁ DISCLAIMER ꧂

I received this copy for free as an ARC. I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to Riley Knight and the Publishing Company; Thank you to booksirens for the chance to read and review this book!

⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

Death of the Glass Angel took my idea of a romantasy, and completely re-oriented it. I never thought that blending real life illnesses into Fantasy would work well. But Riley Knight knocks it out of the park.

While I had a hard time following the beginning of the book, the world gradually opened up and became more clear throughout the story. You do not often see stories where real mental illnesses are portrayed in books, especially in main characters. These illnesses are also not portrayed as something magical. They are brought about by real trauma the characters have experienced. And though I think they are shown well, I am not a professional in that sense so I cannot say whether they are truly represented.

The world of DotGA follows a few MCs: Janus, Talon, Des, & Felsin. There are a few other characters that you follow towards the end of the book, and they shine a light on the past. I love the little excerpts that the author puts in the beginning of the chapters, snippets from letters of characters, or diaries. There are flashbacks as well, so they can be somewhat hard to follow. And the chapters where there are multiple characters POVs can be a little disorienting when they switch.

Most romantasy books I've read, put you into this fantastical world, where magic is abound and beautiful. Death of the Glass Angel, while still set in a world where magic exists, it is far more limited. There are Evokers, those who can create things from their memory, and Cefra who can use elemental magic. I would go into more detail, but I feel like that would take away from the intrigue. Though labeled as a romantasy, I would categorize this more as an Epic Fantasy with romantic aspects. The story is heavy on world building and politics, along with a dash of mystery and dark themes.

By the end of the book, I found myself having changed my favorite characters and relationships. I felt like I was putting the puzzle pieces together along with the characters, and felt betrayed by others. Truthfully, I enjoyed this book. Once I began to understand things, I flew through it and the end left me needing the next one.

Let me start out by saying this book has been on my TBR since I started reading again. I have purchased this book several different ways, all with the intent to read it and it has taken until now for my to get to it.

That being said, let's get into it.

I LOVE dragons. I have loved them since I was very little, and some of my favorite books consist of stories with or about dragons. If you ever felt like Daenarys from Game of Thrones didn't have enough interactions with her dragons, or didn't have enough at all, then you will LOVE Elowen.

Elowen is feisty, strong, and beyond brave for undergoing the trials and abuse that she has. She has held onto her sense of self, and turned that into the determination that she will survive anything. She proves that even if you are beaten and broken, you can rise again.

The way her bond with her dragons is described, makes me feel like I am living it myself. She can't read their minds, she can't understand their thoughts. But she can feel the pull, she can read the emotion and questions in their eyes and body language. I love how she talks about them as she remembers them, the way their scales feel or the way they shift colors. She doesn't just feel connected to them through the bond, but also through a real relationship.

She is that way not only with her dragons, but the friends and people she meets along her journey. Finnian is one of my favorite side characters. There's no longing between them (y'know the type; typical I've always loved you trope). Instead, there's genuine found family. For the first time in a very long time, I wish there was more with the best friend. She doesn't have to explain herself to him, he just knows her cues. And she begins to trust others the same way throughout the book. I mean, Cayden – need I say more? Talk about a perfect book boyfriend.

There's betrayal, and forbidden love. There's adventures, and bloodlust. This story is only just beginning, and I cannot wait to see the shape it takes. I could not put this down, I was so caught up in the world that I forgot reality for moments. As of writing this, I am itching to get my hands on the sequel to continue reading! I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR, or moving it up to be one of your next reads. This is one of the few books I actively annotated along the read.

꧁ DISCLAIMER ꧂

All thoughts, remarks and opinions are of my own mind. I did not receive this book for free, nor is this sponsored.




WOWZA. This book was not at all what i was expecting from a romantic fantasy novel. But i must say i enjoyed it so much. Its such a different take on the genre as a whole. 


This is not some overly populated book, or an extravagant world. This is the aftermath of that world. 


What happens when you've won the war? After you have paid your debts? After you've been the heroine or the villain in a story? Well, Never the Roses explores that.


When you've lived your whole life under control of the crown, and you've finally earned enough to be free, where do you go? Do you go on an adventure, and explore the world that you now have the freedom to see? Do you go home and live as you did?


Oneira was the dread sorceress, known all across the realms as a destroyer. But when she finally pays the debt of her contract, she decides to live alone in solace.


This is a story of her life, after. This is a story of self-rediscovery, of turmoil, of mental illnesses. This is also a story of love, of acceptance, and of hope. I found myself relating to Oneira so often, thinking similar thoughts. I hoped for her, despaired for her, and smiled with her. 


And the relationships in this story were built so well. I feel like every relationship in this book came as unexpected, but in the way that it was always meant to happen. From her animal companions, to the people she meets. To her relationship with herself.


This is easily one of my 5

꧁ DISCLAIMER ꧂

I received this copy for free as an ARC. I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to Haley M. Opet & the publishing company for the free digital copy; Thank you to NerdFam for the chance to read and review this book!

⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

If you want Bridgerton with magic aspects, then this is the book for you. As of writing this review, I am about 45% of the way through this book.

You follow Evelyne, Alaric, and Cillian (so far) while they try to figure out what's going on. The beginning of the book is all about how Evelyne is debuting, and her thoughts and feelings on it.

I will say that sometimes it does get a bit confusing as to whose POV you're reading from; unfortunately the POV change isnt really indicated at all. But after a line or so, you realize who it is and can change perspectives pretty easily. I do enjoy books told through multiple POVs, so I'm excited to see the rest.

Unfortunately for me, I am finding myself dragging currently. I don't know if thats from exhaustion, reading slump, or the fact that I am very much a mood reader. As of now, I am putting a pin in the book to come back; but I am extremely grateful for the eARC and chance to read this book!

I received this copy for free as an eARC. I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to D. L. Taylor & the publishing company for the free digital copy; Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book!

⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

The Beasts We Raise is a perfect conclusion to this duology. This book is about so much more than just the fantasy element. Its about the political aspect, but also the trauma and healing that go with everything Mance went through.

TBWR follows Mancella & Silver, as they work through their new dynamics and Mance learning how to rule. The author put so much thought into these characters and their stories, and I loved the idea of the story being told from her different emotions.

There is political aspects, there's heartbreak. There's healing, and drama. I loved the world she built, and I loved that although there is romance in the story, that it feels more about learning to love yourself and your scars over another person. Learning to accept every part of you, and using that knowledge to be and do better.

The different POVs really gave substance to the characters. I only wish we had more from Livid's POV. All in all, D. L. Taylor truly captured the emotions and turmoil in this story. In the end, nothing is perfect, but it is on its way to being better. Mance has learned to heal from hiding herself, the magic is more balanced, and relations with the realms are on the mend. Its a perfect end to the story, and leaves enough that if she was to write a spinoff, it would be easy to pick up.

꧁ DISCLAIMER ꧂

I received this copy for free as an eARC. I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to Adelle Summers & the publishing company for the free digital copy; Thank you to BookSirens for the chance to read and review this book!

⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

Short but sweet. But I would not say that this story doesn't make an impact. It is a Sleeping Beauty Retelling, and I love the way the story is told. There is romance, there's magic, there's curses. We do not get the entire story of the realm and what happened in the past, but I feel like the author left it open enough at the end that it could definitely continue fairly easily. There's not a lot of world building, but there is at least a foundation. All in all, I feel like this book is a good quick read, and something that could be expanded upon in future books.

This could have very easily been a 5

This story is dense, and I love that about it. The main story revolves around Rada & Noctis. They are essentially both fallen Gods.

The chapters go between the past and the present, which can be slightly confusing. But the way that it's done, usually relates to what is going on in current times. The characters are complex, with a history of love and betrayal, and hurt. I genuinely love their relationship.

Rada exiled herself, after she broke into a million pieces. Noctis was to be executed and was believed to have been until he shows up on Rada's front steps nearly dead. They are both layered in hurt, in distrust, and in a deep connection that they feel after millennia apart.

Throughout the story, you learn about what happened that led them to this moment. Rada has been living peacefully on her farm, unknownst to the world as anything other than a soldier who fought in the wars. Noctis is simply a mercenary, traveling city to city just to make a living. Neither one trusts the other, neither one also distrusts the other.

There is magic, and devastation. There is plot twists that you don't see coming. There is world building, and anticipation. There's yearning, soooo much yearning. The MCs love each other, despite and regardless of their past and the hurt they have inflicted on one another, and those around them.

The ending left me in shock, because I don't know what to think. I cannot wait for the next book.

Have you ever wanted your heart broken and pieced back together a million times? Because thats what this book will do to you.

Wrath of the Dragons is the perfect sequel to Fear the Flames. Elowen has blossomed into her strongest self throughout this whole book. She is strong, and fearsome, and cunning. She is willing to do anything to protect the ones she loves, and to wreak havoc on those who hurt her and her dragons.

One thing I immensely enjoy is the dual POV that the sequel consists of.

Fear the Flames was the introduction to these characters, but it was told from entirely Elowen's POV. Wrath of the Dragons is told from both Elowen & Cayden's POV. I truly love the deeper insight into Cayden & the things that he goes through. His emotions, his past, his turmoils when it comes to Elowen.

There's magic, and love, and fighting. There's strategies and gods and alliances born of necessity that could possibly bloom into friendships. The banter is to die for, the connection these characters all have to each other is truly beautiful.

There were a few plot twists that caught me, and I had to re-read a few times to make sure I wasn't imagining it. The ending of the book had my jaw dropping. I'm still reeling from it, and don't know how I'm going to recover.

For my first T. Kingfisher book, I have to say this maybe wasn't the best choice to pick up.


Hemlock & Silver is a retelling on the tale of Snow White. It is a cozy fantasy, so if you're expecting to have a typical romantasy setting this is not it. 


I wanted to love the story, I had heard so many good things about the author and their writing. I love retellings of fairytales, especially ones that make their own twists. 


But the story just didn't draw me in the way I wanted it to. It was interesting enough to keep me reading it, but at some point the story just didn't have much in the way of substance. The romance felt wrong, and way too hurried. It didnt make much sense.


For me personally, the storyline felt lacking. I really enjoyed the idea that the FMC was a healer more interested in poisons & antidotes than actual healing. But I feel like the constant reiterating that she was a plus size person was overdone. 


I liked Snow being a child that was supposedly being poisoned and no one thinking it could be that. The king approaching Healer Anja on his own without any recommendations was unexpected. Initially, I expected that she would end up with the King. 


I like the idea of the mirror world, and the food being the poison that was slowly killing Snow. I liked how it was set up that the mirror world was grey except where a mirror reflected the real world. I wish the author had explored that more. It could easily have been a duology and would have maybe given the book a denser story.


Overall, it wasn't the worst book I had read this year. I would still give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️. I had high hopes for the book, and was oy ever so slightly let down.

World. Building. 


Two words that I absolutely NEED to have in a good romantasy. Devney does a wonderful job at building a world and its lore. The Gods (which are typically present in romantasy) felt very different feom how they are usually portrayed. Are they still complete arseholes? 100%. But the lore tells a story of love and sacrifice.


Broody morally grey MMC? Check. 

Found family? Yupp.

An FMC that starts out being not at all badass? For sure.


But all those things are also what makes this story good. There's tension, there's magic, there's suspense. There are twists and turns that i could see coming, and some I didn't. 


Theres mystery surrounding Odessa & her family. Why did her father ignore her, up until she had to become the sparrow? Why did no one talk abojt her mother? Why did they make her dye her hair? Why can't anyone else feel the magic of the Brotherhood?


And the monsters are so interesting. I want to know more about the monsters in the realm. Are they truly that awful, or are they just misunderstood? Faze is easily one of my favorite characters and I feel like he will be important in the following books.


All in all, a very good read. The ending kept me wanting to read on, and I think I checked at least 4 times while reading to see if any news about book 2 had been released.

꧁ DISCLAIMER ꧂

I received this copy for free as an eARC. I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to Tessonja Odette & the publishing company for the free digital copy; Thank you to NetGally for the chance to read and review this book!

⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

Beautifully intoxicating.

I have no words for this book. Truly, I was speechless by the end of this book. This book will draw you in, lead you one way, then throw everything to the wind and let it blow away. What you're left with is speechlessness.

For this being my first Tessonja book, I have to say im truly impressed. I have heard many good things, but have never had a chance to pick up one of her books. I'm so glad I did though, because she will definitely be an auto-buy/read author for me!

If you like vampires, shadows, and mysteries you'll love this book! Personally, Dominic is one of my favorite book boyfriends. But the FMC is also very complex, and just WOW. Be warned, this is book 1 - it ends on a cliffhanger. But the end had me clawing for more! I can't wait to read book two when it releases!

Dear Cierra Reyes,


I do not accept your apology. You cannot rip my heart out, put it back, then completely halt it from beating.



꧁ DISCLAIMER ꧂


I received this copy for free as an eARC. I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to Cierra Reyes for the free digital copy; thank you for the opportunity to read this book.


*Possible Spoilers for book 2 below. Read at your own risk.





——————————————


After the events in book one that broke my heart, I did not think it could get much worse. Unfortunately, I was wrong. 


Azlyn has gone through so much, even before the sequel started. But now she battles with the darkness inside that's corrupting her further. Something everyone battles with. But the difference is, her darkness could destroy everything she holds dear.


I love love LOVE the themes in this series. I love how Azlyn isn't some pure hearted heroine; she feels like a friend, someone who listens to you while they have their own drama to deal with. All of the characters have a little darkness in them, it makes them all so relatable.


I don't know what part was my favorite; because the whole book was! None of the characters felt like they were put on the backburner. They all had their moments to shine. The world is so immersive that it just takes you with it.


One of the best parts of the book, is seeing both Liam and Valeria grow. After the devastating loss of Leah, it felt like Liam would lose himself to his darkness; he even scared Valeria at times, and she was never one to shy away from his dark side before.


And for Valeria, to see her become so confident in herself, to see her stand up for the things she believed to be right. Ugh, my heart just can't take it. Most all of the characters have had some sort of growth; though Donovan is the only one who really hasn't, but he is also older and more resigned to his fate.


The mix of gods having fallen, the seelie & unseelie; its all so perfect. This truly is so well done, and one of my highest rated books of the year; 6

Hallowed Souls give me very similar vibes to Shadowhunters. But it has so many other elements that make it draw you in.

There is found family, mysteries to uncover, heartbreak. The FMC is Azlyn, and she is one of the most badass FMCs I've had the pleasure of reading about. She is a Captain of the East, which is a high ranking. She has subordinates below her that she takes care of. They all trust her explicilty. But she's snarky, and tough, and kindhearted.

The romance between the FMC and MMC builds throughout the whole book. I like that it's not just immeditately “boom” and they're in love. They build a friendship, and rapport. They build trust, and make a solid foundation for the relationship to prosper. There's no mention of fated mates; while I love that trope, I like when authors take a different approach from time to time in a fantasy setting.

I cried with the characters, and I laughed with them. I giggled when there were moments that the main characters interacted, or when the side characters made snarky remarks. I got swept up with the story and the world, and I can't wait to see how the story further unfolds. There was moments I didn't see coming, things I thought would go differently, and things I expected. It was a good mix.

If you're looking for a book with Shadowhunter vibes, found family, and emotional turmoil, read this book.

꧁ DISCLAIMER ꧂

I received this copy for free as an eARC. I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to Dee Mannine for the free digital copy; Thank you to BookSirens for the chance to read and review this book!

⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

I. ATE. THIS. BOOK. UP.

Oh my gosh, I couldn't put this down! Seda is the FMC, and its very clear that this will be a story where she has growth. She has been through some things, and honestly I relate very deeply to her.

I can't tell which of the male characters is my favorite. Each one has a different feel and I'm OBSESSED. I love the use of Ravens in this story, because I feel like so many times they are seen as an omen, only appearing when something bad happens. But they are not portrayed that way here.

And the world is so vast and interesting! I feel like I'm learning with the FMC (which, you are obvi), but I thought a few times that I knew how the plot would go, and then it didn't. I am so excited to watch this world expand! I also LOVE that she includes photos in her story.

Please be aware, that this book features some very heavy topics. Make sure to read the trigger warnings, as there are very sensitive topics.

꧁ DISCLAIMER ꧂

I received this copy for free as an eARC. I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to Louve & the publishing company for the free digital copy; Thank you to BookSirens for the chance to read and review this book!

If you're looking for a book with dragons, magic, trials, and mystery, you've found it.

Awakening of the Starborne brings to light a new world filled with fascinating tales, magic, and a beautiful world to explore.

Our FMC is a badass lethal weapon, and she doesn't need anyone or anything to protect her. She wants to become a knight, and has to learn how to be a part of a team at an academy where she is put to the test to determine if she is worthy of being a knight.

꧁ DISCLAIMER ꧂

I received this copy for free as an ARC. I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to R. Dugan & the publishing company for the free digital copy; Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book!

⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

This is everything. Everything you could want from a story about a healer who also has an interest in poison.

Naomi is a bright FMC, top of her class for her healing skills as well as her poison studies. She is both sides of a coin; with the power to heal, as well as the power to kill. Such a dangerous combination.

I was enthralled in the world that Dugan created, in the way the characters were written. This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, heart racing, and crying throughout the whole book. There were twists, and secrets. There's heartbreak and butterflies in your stomach.

There's no magic in this world, but in truth I didn't find myself looking for any. There's no monsters, except for the ones behind masks. I also love the way the villain in this story uses poetry. It's such a unique idea, and is executed really well.

If you are on the fence about reading this book, I hope you take the leap and read it. It is easily one of the best books I have read in 2025.