Review: Magic Triumphs

Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OH NO. It's over. The series is over. *dies*

*remembers two more Hughs and potential same world books and kind of perks up a little tiny bit*

*throws temper tantrum*

Review to come on release date. And if you thought there was even a chance this would get less than five stars, you're delusional. ALL THE STARS.

NOTE: READING IRON AND MAGIC BEFORE READING MAGIC TRIUMPHS IS REQUIRED. DO IT. DON'T SKIP IT.
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Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review... I think. I mean, to be fair, it kind of means the series ended sooner for me than it should have... but yes, I definitely appreciate being trusted with an ARC of the final book of one of the best UF series of all time.

I don't even know where to begin to process my feelings, and I can't say too much without giving away spoilers.

Conlan - Yes. All the yeses. The way he is written is fantastic and funny and adorable. Bring on the teenage Conlan/older Julie spinoff, please.

Kate and Curran - plenty of their famous banter, some sexy times, lots of depending on each other, and proof that they are definitely "OTP."

Atlanta - We get to see so many characters in this one and I love it. Pretty much everyone we've ever met of any importance at least gets an appearance, and not a single one of them felt like a cameo just for a cameo. All felt like they progressed the story or helped Kate or pushed the narrative in some way or another.

Violence and Magic - lots, duh.

Iron - Read Iron and Magic before you read this. Just saying. Trust me. It's a great book anyways, but you need to. NEED TO. Thank goodness we have two more Hugh books.

The Villains - not exactly what you're thinking. Great surprises when you think the book will ONLY be about Roland. Nope. Lots of shit going on, of course, because that's when Kate thrives -- in the chaos and stress of EVERYTHING ALL AT ONCE.

Future Spinoffs - Yes, give me more. Ilona has mentioned more set in this world. I would love a Julie spinoff, especially after the finale of this book. She has aged into a smart, wise, powerful young woman.

Thank you, Ilona, for this series, for this world, for the time I've spent there (and will spend in future rereads). You are truly talented.

Now, excuse me while I go weep uncontrollably that this amazing series has reached its finale.

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Review: Night and Silence

Night and Silence by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

No idea how Seanan McGuire does it so often, but she knows how to step up the stakes, over and over and over. And she sure knows how to make her characters suffer for the sake of the story!

If you've not been keeping up (but really, why wouldn't you be following me at this point?), Seanan McGuire is one of my absolute favorite authors. Her worlds are gloriously fleshed out, her characters are deep and nuanced, and her plots are inviting and twisty and chock full of surprises.

In this installment in one of the best series ever, Toby's family is front and center yet again - both the family she has built, and her blood relations - and yet again, those two things are at odds. Also, there are some surprising twists when it comes to villainy, one I wouldn't have expected (at least not yet!)...

But mostly, there's a cast of characters that will draw you in, make you care, and truly cause you to wish to be part of their little ragtag bunch.

Pick this one up if you're up to date in the October Daye series, but if you're not, start with book one - Rosemary and Rue. You've got plenty to binge - go on. :)

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Review: The Mystery of Nevermore

The Mystery of Nevermore by C.S. Poe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've read worse, but I've read better. The culprit was ridiculously easy to figure out. The part that lost the stars for me was the "I know I need to get out of this relationship but I don't have the courage but hey, here's a hot guy for me to do even though I'm still in that relationship." I'd consider reading the next, perhaps.

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Review: Anna Dressed in Blood

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

That was an interesting take on the ghost story/ghost hunter adventure. Supernatural-esque.

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Review: Free-Wrench

Free-Wrench by Joseph R. Lallo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pretty entertaining romp through the steam-powered airship-filled skies. Not perfect, but fun.

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Review: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holly Black,

I don't know why I haven't read more of your stuff! I've read only The Darkest Part of the Forest before this one, a year or two ago, and really liked it, so I'm not sure why it's taken me this long to pick up another of your books. My mistake! I loved the flawed characters in this one, the depth of the worldbuilding without info-dumping, the creativity. Also, thanks for making sure you put representation into your book. Some people might call it "the liberal agenda," but I'll gladly wear that intended insult as a badge of honor - fighting for diversity, inclusion, love over hate, acceptance, representation... none of those things are negatives in my book.

Alas, this is only a standalone. Such a shame, as I'd love to see more of this world. :) Maybe a sequel in the future? :)

Yours,
Steven

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Review: Something Like Voodoo

Something Like Voodoo by Rebecca Hamilton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cheesy but fun, hard to put down but predictable, easy to read and lots of action. Overall, around 3.5 stars, but I didn't like it enough to round up, so down it is.

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Review: Tarnished City

Tarnished City by Vic James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A little slower than book one, but definitely expands the world. Pretty sure Vic James has been taking lessons from George Martin though. Death all over the place in this one. Ready to pick up book three! This one really left it at yet another torturous cliffhanger!

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Review: Shift's End

Shift's End by A.R. Barley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I've only read one other A. R. Barley book, but I enjoyed it enough that when I saw a Barley book with hot firefighters on the cover, I knew I had to request it. Had I known it was third in a series, I might have passed on requesting... but now I will go back and read books one and two.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a good romance, with Jack and Diesel turning into a fantastic couple by the end. I want a firefighter daddy man like Jack... woof! :)

There was a mystery involved, which made it more than just a fluffy romance. All in all, I very much enjoyed this one and will pick up the first two in the series and any subsequent releases in the series. I love me some hot firefighter man love!!!

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