Review: Rhythm of War

Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: The Dark Archive

The Dark Archive by Genevieve Cogman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series, mostly because of the really intriguing world building. The dragons and order, the Fae and chaos, the Library and their Language.... it's all so fun!

You know what wasn't fun? The first 60% of this book. I struggled through it. To be fair, it could have been my reading mood, but I always love these, even when I'm in a slump, so I don't think that was the case. I think it was just the slow start.

Luckily, the last half of the book kicked it up a notch, and really threw things into the fun chaos that follows Irene like a stalker. She's a trouble magnet, and the end of this book finally gives us a reason why.

Cogman, you wily minx, you've done it again. You upped the ante, raised the stakes, brought the thunder.

Overall, I give it four stars.

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Review: Right Move

Right Move by A.M. Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy this series. I love me a good cowboy male male romance. But I did find that this one grated on me a little bit and dropped my enjoyment of it. There was a lot more repetition of fluffy things in this one, and lots of conversations that just don't really line up with how gay men really act.

"Thank you for the gift" after trying some not-all-the-way things for the first time? Not really how gay men talk to each other.

It's just another case, I think, of the wider audience of MM romance being female readers, and appealing to them for sales - which is fine, because the more MM that's out there, the more for me to read. Just do wish that there was more than felt written for those of us who actually are. Ya know what I mean?

Overall, I still loved the story of Levi and George, and gave it three and a half stars, rounded up. Also, I want to play with Ginger, Sporty, and Baby. :P

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Review: We Hear Voices

We Hear Voices by Evie Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

WOW. This book was really hard to put down. I love the format - short chapters, scenes that are constantly building to an ending that was a teensy bit predictable but also oh so twisty. The book had lots of good reveals, and it really built and built.

It wasn't really horror, though it had quite a bit of horror-element to it. It was more like a sci-fi techno thriller with some horror thrown in. There were so many possibilities as to what could be going on that it left you wondering, and the reveals over time were fantastic.

I also cared for most of the characters, which is a big feat for an author to do. So many times I love the story and feel the characters fall flat.

Definitely recommend this one as a fun read, especially if you're looking to escape the pandemic into, well, a different pandemic. ;)

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Review: Grave War

Grave War by Kalayna Price
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Well, the series is done. And while I just picked up the series a few weeks ago to binge to get to this ARC, I'm sad. I've had this series on my to-read for a while and was really excited to go through it. I fell in love with Death and Falin and Dugan. I became friends with Rianna, Holly, and Tamara. I started to think in terms of Fae politics. And I was jealous of Alex's cool abilities.

So yeah, I'm sad she's done. I'm glad she's said she wants to write more in this world, but I'm disappointed she's said Alex's story is done.

While I really liked this book - I gave it 4.5 stars rounded up! - I do feel like there were so many little threads that need some closure and would have been great stories to tell in this world.

Because of this, I'll keep on hoping for more from this world, for more shadows and secrets, for more shades, for more winter frost, for more spinning hazel eyes.

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Review: Archangel's Sun

Archangel's Sun by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Seriously, Nalini, when are we getting Illium and Aodhan? ARE we getting Illium and Aodhan? The suspense is killing me. Now we're getting Illium's MOM before we get Illium??? *sigh*

Bitterness in regards to whom the book is about aside, this was another good entry into the series. I've liked Titus in the other books, so I was interested in where his story would go. I also adore Sharine/The Hummingbird. We got more of her backstory and why she was broken, and we got to see her as she closes some of those wounds and allows them to heal.

I didn't feel like there was a bad guy in this one or something that needed resolving other than the relationship building, so I couldn't give it five stars.

Overall, I enjoy this series, this world, and the characters I've grown to love. But I do so desperately want to know if we will get Illium and Aodhan... together.

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Review: Feel the Fire

Feel the Fire by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Carina Press, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the story of Luis and Tucker. I loved the history they shared, the connection they felt, and how that snapped back into place as soon as Luis returns to town. I loved Tucker's family, and his mostly grown kids who cared so much about him. I loved the banter and the naughty times. I loved the angst that came from loving someone so much that it hurt.

I really like this series. I don't know if it's supposed to be more than three, but I desperately hope it will be. I'm also planning on reading more of Annabeth Albert's series, because if they're like this, I'll really enjoy them.

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Review: Battle Ground

Battle Ground by Jim Butcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Peace Talks set the field, and Battle Ground delivered the action. There has never been an installment of Dresden that was this packed full of action! Much of the book was the HUGE battle that we knew was coming after the events of Peace Talks. Did I mention that it's HUGE? Seriously, biggest battle yet. Almost every major player we've seen hits the battleground.

If I'm being completely honest, I don't mind the battle scenes, but I read mostly for the character and plot development, so the sheer volume of pages that were action sequences could be a little bit of a slog for readers like me, but I still really enjoyed them. This is one of the battles we've been building towards for a long time.

The best parts about this book for me? There are some plot threads that have been set up for a LONG, LONG time that rear their ugly heads, culminate, come to fruition, payoff, finally happen. LOTS OF THEM. And there are so many more things coming. New threads that are going to lead us down some dark paths. I am so there for these. I can't wait for more.

But I will say, as spoiler-free as possible - prepare yourself for some heartache. War is dangerous.
---

So many plot threads culminate in this one... and leave more dangling for future stories.

So much destruction and heartache...

So much further to go...

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Review: The Weight of It All

The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: The Ghost Tree

The Ghost Tree by Christina Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this book! It read just like watching a horror movie. It had the great setup. It had the slow reveal. It had multiple story-lines converging into one big ending. It had people to root for. It had mystery and darkness!

It was not at all what I expected going in. I won't spoil the fun. I've only ever read The Mermaid by this author before, and it was decent, but this one was a step up. It makes me want to check out her other stories like Alice and Lost Boy and The Girl in Red. I'll definitely be reading more of her work in the future!

I did take off a star because of one thing I predicted way too easily.

Highly recommended for people who like retellings (this is very Sleepy Hollow/headless horseman type story) and horror.

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Review: One by One

One by One by Ruth Ware
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

So I figured out the whodunnit pretty early on, or had my suspicions, but still loved this book. Very Agatha Christie, isolated remote cabin, explosive personalities, suspects dying off one by one...

Don't want to spoil anything by saying too much, but this one dumps you smack dab in the middle of some work drama that boils out of control quickly.

I very much enjoyed this one, and can't wait for more of Ruth Ware. I still need to go back and read her first two, In A Dark, Dark Wood and The Lying Game, but I definitely will at some point, because I really enjoy her Christie/thriller mix.

Definitely recommend.

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Review: A Killing Frost

A Killing Frost by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

It's no secret that I'm a huge Seanan McGuire fan. I love her Wayward Children series, Incryptid is just tons and fun, and Middlegame was top notch... but my greatest love is her October Daye series. This world is so developed and deep and expansive. There are schemes aplenty, with long-term payoffs for following the series. This one is no exception - it brings some long-running storylines to the front, reveals that you already knew some of those secrets the whole time if you were paying attention, and smacks you across the face with how blind you were to seeing them.

I really want to say more, but I'm afraid to spoil things. I mean, it turns out that we already knew *******, that you can't count villains out just because ******* *********, that the world of Faerie has strict rules about so many things but is completely okay with ******** ***********, that ***** really is *********. (please note that asterisks aren't indicative of number of letters. I'm not risking ANY spoilers!

I'm glad we have a few more books contracted, but I don't want to wait for the next one!!!

Highly recommended, but start at the beginning.

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Review: A House at the Bottom of a Lake

A House at the Bottom of a Lake by Josh Malerman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars



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Review: The Night Swim

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was heavy. It was a tough read. It focuses around the stories of two rapes, both in the small town of Neopolis, NC, but 25 years apart. One never made headlines, and the other is the subject of a widely reported public trial.

This book wasn't really as "thriller-y" as her debut, The Escape Room, but it dealt with similar themes - the depths and lows of human kind, and how trauma can cause such dark issues.

I would have given it five stars, because it was a really strong book that truly made you think about how rape is handled in the American justice system, how the female is usually made out to be a tramp, and the male is usually lauded as a stand up guy who is having his reputation trashed by a slut who changed her mind. Alas, the few twists that were there were either not set up enough or were really predictable, so it lost a star.

Overall, highly recommend both of her books thus far, and will look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

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Review: Plan for the Worst

Plan for the Worst by Jodi Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: Spells for the Dead

Spells for the Dead by Faith Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

Oh, Faith, you know I adore your Jane series, but it seems like every review I give for a Nell book, I say I like Nell just a tad bit more. And it's true. I love your Jane Yellowrock series and don't want it to end, but there's just something about Nell's amazing cast of characters. I'm always just as interested in the personal life parts of Nell as I am the case... especially in this one. There were some huge wins in this book for me:

Occam. Anything and everything Occam. #TeamPlantKitty

Mud. Anything and everything Mud. #TeamAwesome

Ayatas Firewind. So much depth and character development in this one. First time I've truly begun to like the man!

Plant people. Yes a bit more history on plant people. :)

The one big loss for me in this book was that I wanted more time with Rick and Margot, and they didn't get much "screen time."

Also, Faith, dear, I'm not quite sure what you've done here, releasing this scary gross deathy-magic/working/energy stuff out into the Jane/Nell world. Terrifying!

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Review: High Heat

High Heat by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I very much enjoyed this second book in the Hot Shots series by Annabeth Albert. What's not to love about sexy firefighters into dudes???

I liked the progression from helping hand to friends to flirting to more. I liked the age difference being there but only being a minor deal. I liked the originality of the characters - representing actual people and personalities.

The drama at the end between them seemed a little forced and out of place, and the way they talk through their feelings got a little repetitive as they kept saying the same things over and over. Men are capable of talking about their feelings, absolutely, and this was a great representation of that, but it was clearly written by a woman. Don't get me wrong, I love MM and the genre is dominated by women, but sometimes it can be hard to read as a gay man, knowing they'll never actually experience what they're writing about. I guess that they're writing what they want for the huge female MM fanbase as well.

All in all, I really enjoyed this one. I was especially impressed with how the author handled Garrick's injuries, recovery, and acceptance of his situation.

Definitely read the first book before this one, but I'd recommend both for some lovely MM good times.

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Review: The Year of the Witching

The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this one. It was so atmospheric and the setting was perfect. It left enough open for my imagination to fill in the blanks. It feels very... Salem Witch Trials time period, but it's farther along than that I think. It was haunting and perfectly paced to slowly crank up the horror-adjacent elements as Immanuelle delves deeper into what's going on.

I don't want to spoil too much, so I won't tell you if my "The Village" vibes were right. I won't tell you if they overcome the plagues. I won't reveal whether there is a happy, almost happy, or sad ending. But I will encourage you to read this book.

4 out of 5 stars. Definitely recommend if you like witchy stories.

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Review: Peace Talks

Peace Talks by Jim Butcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Super extra special thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas is coming early this year, everyone. TWO DRESDEN FILES books after years of waiting. Step aside, George Martin. Feel ashamed, Patrick Rothfuss. Jim Butcher has you beat. He went through a dry spell with quite a bit of personal turmoil and came out the other side writing a book so long it had to be split into two. Take notes, authors.

This one was fantastic after the long wait. We jump back into Harry's life, which of course is still cray cray, and it's like coming home.

Of course, Jim Butcher can't let things stay quiet for long. Soon, allies are in trouble, he's got Winter Knight duties, family decides now's the perfect time to add issues, the Council is being its typical self, and a bunch of supernaturals are in town for a peace talk convention that, let's be honest, we all know is bound to go wrong.

If you haven't read the side anthologies, read them before you pick this one up. You'll be happy you did - you'll recognize a character or two and you'll understand what's going on with Ramirez a little better.

Of course, since this was one book that ended up split into two, the ending is semi-cliffhangerish (yeah, I made up a word). Thank Queen Mab we only have a short wait until September for the next bit.

Highly recommended series, but start from the beginning and don't jump in here!

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Review: The Lantern Men

The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy the mysteries that Elly Griffiths writes. I've only read one of her Magic Men series, but I plan on eventually rereading that first one and catching up on the series. She's also had a standalone in the past year or two that was quite good. But I absolutely adore the misadventures of one Dr. Ruth Galloway and friends.

This one jumps ahead a little in time after the last one, setting everyone up in different locations geographically as well as in different places in their lives than the last time we saw them. This one also has a large cast of potential suspects, which made it really fun, since it was definitely a hard to solve mystery. We get a little more depth to some of the characters we already know (specifically Tanya), and we get a new character or two that also show some potential. I really like Tony Zhang!

I don't want to spoil anything, but here's a quick rundown: Ivor March is in jail for the murders of two women. There are a few more victims that have yet to be found, and Nelson and team are convinced Ivor March is responsible. Even more so when he tells them he'll reveal the location of the two bodies but only if Ruth manages the digs.

Of course, things get even more twisty after that. So I'll zip my lips and let you read and find out.

I'd really encourage you to read the rest of the series before this one. Lots of personal relationships and plot points from prior books will be spoiled if you don't. But you could read this one in its own if you wanted. Great entry into the series!

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Review: American Demon

American Demon by Kim Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

I am so happy to be delving back into the world of the Hollows. Don't get me wrong. I like Kim Harrison's Peri Reed, the palate cleanser she worked on to give herself a break from the "finished" Hollows. I'm really sad that she didn't publish the third one. I didn't care much for her standalone Perfunctory Affection. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't her best work either. I hate to say it, because I know authors need to write other things to keep themselves happy and fresh-minded, but Hollows is where she shines the most. It's where she's at the top of her game.

This one opens, luckily, with a quick recap of characters and recent events, which is a blessing. I tried hard to complete my reread of the series before I needed to read this one. Alas, my reading mojo hasn't been nearly as big as in previous years, so I finished up through book five (gasp, that ending is so hard) and wasn't able to finish more.

I'm so glad we're back in Rachel's life. Jenks is one of my favorite characters, and I love Al. Sadly, Al takes a backseat in this one due to a VERY dangerous enemy, but that turns out to be okay. A few new characters are introduced that I really, really like, and Cincinatti's shaken up yet again with new leadership on multiple fronts.

All in all, I loved this one very much, but I did have to deduct half a star and go with 4.5, strictly because of something at the end. It would have been a whole star, but luckily, Harrison hinted that there will be a revisiting of this specific thing. (Can't and won't spoil it for you, sorry-not-sorry)

Looking forward to the next book, The Rule, already. Hope it releases next year and we get a little extra resolution and a lot more of Rachel and gang. Keep 'em coming, Harrison!

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Review: Lies of the Beholder

Lies of the Beholder by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: Something to Talk About

Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

So, as most of my followers know, I'm a dude... a dude that's married to dudes, totally into dudes and just dudes. But I wanted to try to support a writer in the LGBTQ+ community, and I wanted to branch out of my comfort zone a little bit. I'm so glad I did!

This slow burn but realistic FF romance was just the right balance of light and fluffy and deep and sophisticated. The relationship grew over the course of the book, rather than starting with sex and moving into love like a huge portion of the MM romances you read. To be fair, most of the MM books I read are more naughty fantasy romance rather than just romance, and this leaned more into the plain romance side of things.

Of course, that worked out well for me, because I'm not into lady parts. The slow burn built into a magnificent crescendo, and even though things do finally come to a peak (if you know what I mean), it was tasteful, romantic, and not at all too detailed for my vajayjay-averse mind. In fact, I think it was a perfectly beautiful scene.

I will warn readers - while I appreciated the diverse writing and the much needed message about the Me Too movement, there are a few moments in their relationship where the miscommunications seem more like a high school romance, rather than two working adults well past their formative years. But they worked through them, and let's be honest, sometimes adults act like teens anyways.

All in all, I'm excited to see what Meryl Wilsner will do next. I hope she writes some more like this so I can widen my "community" readings into a more diverse field.

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Review: Dark Skies

Dark Skies by Danielle L. Jensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Tor Teen, for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I read Dark Shores last year and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it, so when I saw this one available, I knew I needed to request it. And I'll be waiting impatiently for book three after this story.

The beginning of both books tells basically the same story, Dark Shores telling Teriana's side of things and Dark Skies showing Lydia's. Then they both diverge into two separate concurrent tales. I'm assuming they'll meet back up in book three and become one big story. I hope so, because if we go back to Teriana and don't get more of Lydia's story, I'll be devastated, because while I really like Teriana, I adore Lydia.

The magic system and political machinations of this world are really cool, and the stories are fantastic.

Definitely highly recommend reading these two books as soon as you're able, because they're worth the read!

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Review: Burn Zone

Burn Zone by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

Man, I really enjoyed this MM romance. Two hot firefighter-type dudes? Check. A little angst? Check. Some sexy times? Check. A happy ending? Check.

Honestly, one thing I really liked about this one was the realistic nature of their relationship and the reactions of people around them. Jacob's family isn't necessarily homophobic, but they have issues with it and have to come to terms with it. That's the real life situation many gay people have to contend with. Not super-outspoken bigots, though we do have a fair share of those to deal with, but the less vocal and slow-to-be-won-over-gradually-changed-mindset people, those who have to separate what they've been told their whole lives and what they actually feel when confronted with a real case in their own life.

I also really like the age difference and the growly, dominant, sexy older man. He wasn't that much older, but it did add some enjoyment for me, as that's my favorite type. :)

I very much enjoyed this one and will definitely pick up book two when it's available.

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Review: The Girl and the Stars

The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I knew that since I loved the Book of the Ancestor trilogy (Red Sister, Grey Sister, Holy Sister), set in the same world, that this one was bound to be good. And I was right. I loved this one.

Strong female character? Check. Really cool setting? Check. Deepening of the world's lore? Check. Creepy villains? Check. Plot twists galore? Check. Oh, and let's not forget about the one thing I didn't really like but fully expected and only didn't really like it because I have to wait... cliffhanger ending? Check.

The other thing I knew when I accepted this ARC? That I should wait. That I should say no thanks. That I should have patience and let myself get to when book three's release is imminent and binge them... because now I have to sit here, longing for book two, and that's a long way away. But it will be worth the wait... I just know it!

Thanks, Mark Lawrence. You've done it again!

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Review: Shorefall

Shorefall by Robert Jackson Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

So book one had some awesome world-building, a cool magic system, and a budding LGBTQ+ relationship.

This book took all of those things and took them up a notch.

We got further development of the relationship - a LOT further. Like, read it and find out what I mean, but definitely advancement of that.

The world got a little bigger and a little more magical too. We saw Orso, Gregor, Sancia, and Berenice grow closer as a team. The magic got bigger, badder, cooler, scarier. The villains and the heroes get twisted around and around.

I really don't want to give anything away, but let's just say that Bennett took everything I liked about the first book and did it again, with new twists, changes, and growth. This book ended way differently than I expected, which was an added plus!

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Review: Smoke Bitten

Smoke Bitten by Patricia Briggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkeley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Dearest Richard, brace thyself for ecstatic warbling.

Relationship woes affect even the best of us, especially when each of us brings our baggage from the past into the present, and Mercy and Adam are no exception. Of course, when you throw a bunch of supernatural into the mix, you have to expect a lot of hard to go along with the easy.

Also, it's really hard to deal with personal things when preternatural smoke monsters that control minds and can look like anyone show up. (It's best not to think of LOST when reading this book, even if smoke monsters made you go straight there!)

Throw in a handful of great side characters (Warren, Kyle, Honey, George, Ben, Jesse, Tad, Zee, etc), some mysterious ones (Underhill, Aiden, Marsilia, etc) and a handful of obnoxious ones (I dunno, Auriele ringing any bells?) and you've got yourself some chaos!

Honestly, while I'm a huge fan of this series so my opinion is a little biased, this might be my favorite in the series so far. It's definitely up there.

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Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Tor for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I've heard a lot of good things about TJ Klune. As a gay man, I am constantly looking for gay writers to support, especially gay men writers. Most of the authors who write MM romance are females, often straight females, so I try to support "my peeps" when I can. TJ Klune has been on my radar for a year or so now, but I hadn't had a chance to pick up one of his books. I saw this one and thought it would be a perfect request for me on Netgalley. I'm so glad I got approved.

I'm also glad that I pushed through. My reading mood has been kinda blah lately, and the world-and-character building of the first 35-40% or so moved slow for me. By the end, I felt like that was more my mood and less the book, because the book overall was beautiful. All of a sudden, at certain points, I found myself loving the kids in this book. I cried at one big part, and then I realized... hey this wasn't blah or slow, it was my mood, and this book was helping me overcome that slump.

This book is about love - not just love between two adults blossoming, but about the love of family. It's about how family isn't always blood. It's about how family can mean something you build on your own. It's about how different isn't bad. It's about sometimes the way things are isn't the way things should be, even when the way things should be is so much simpler and so much less painful for everyone. It's about how we need to push out of our bubbles and build a better world -- for ourselves and those who will come after us.

Mostly, I loved this book because, like Linus, I grew to care for these supernatural children. They're well-developed and quirky and adorable and deep.

Highly recommended.

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Review: The Last Odyssey

The Last Odyssey by James Rollins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'd like to extend a big thank you to the publisher, Harper Collins, for mailing me a physical advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

James Rollins' Sigma Force is one of my favorite series. It's one I've followed for over a decade, and new installments never fail to have me tearing through the pages at a breakneck pace. This one was no different, and might have been one of the best in the series so far. I wasn't able to put it down... and I started it on a flight to Walt Disney World and finished it while there. You might not know this about me, but I'm a HUGE Disney junkie, so the fact that I was focused on this book while I was there means this was a REALLY GOOD one.

We find ourselves following the path of Homer's Odysseus, straight into the bowels of Hell itself.

There are twists, turns, betrayals, cute monkeys, ancient technology, and loads of adventure.

Pick this one up. You won't be disappointed. But seriously, seriously, start the series at the beginning!

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Review: Revolver Road

Revolver Road by Christi Daugherty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It's most appreciated!

I really love Harper McClain. She's a great protagonist - dogged, determined, and head strong in the best of ways. She doesn't always make the safest decisions, but she fights hard to find the truth and is a damned good reporter.

This time, she's in semi-hiding, aiming to protect herself from the person who is threatening her life. Her mother's murder, while solved, still isn't behind her. It's still affecting her current life beyond just the normal grief that never seems to go away with events like that. But a murder close to her hideout means she's back out there, looking for the truth.

I guessed the killer in this one. It seems to be a running trend with this series. It also seems to be a thing that it actually doesn't bother me. Because the stories are so good. Because they are hard to put down. Because I really love Harper and the side characters. And because Harper's drive to uncover truth is so compelling to read.

Pick this one up. It's worth it. But make sure you read books 1 and 2 first, as the over-arching story is vital to your enjoyment, and reading ahead would spoil the hell out of the first two books.

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Review: False Value

False Value by Ben Aaronovitch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm so glad I kept up with this series! As I said in my review of the last novel in the series, Lies Sleeping, I had gone through a slump with this series for a few in the middle. I had to catch up to get to my ARC of Lies Sleeping, and the book didn't disappoint. It made it worth it.

Well, this one keeps up the quality!

We've got technology and magic colliding in this one. While the beginning can be a tad bit confusing (it jumps back and forth between months), the opening really sucks you into the story. The new characters introduced in this one, while most are probably only going to be in this one, were deep and developed and interesting.

My favorite part of this one, though, was a little more development of Foxglove and a lot more of Beverley.

I don't want to say too much and risk spoiling things, but highly recommend this series. Again, the caveat that you should have read the prior books in the series applies here.

Four out of five stars.

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Review: The Warsaw Protocol

The Warsaw Protocol by Steve Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a while to get into this one, which is odd considering how long I've been reading Cotton's series and how much I've loved it overall, but I felt like the first 60% of the book or so was quite slow... but it paid off, because the slow burn led to a finale that left some of the characters a little salty. (Sorry, couldn't resist that one!)

Cotton's adventures are always a pleasure to read, and while I missed Cassiopeia Vitt in this one, we did get a nice dash of Stephanie Nelle, so that was fun. I also like the way that Steve Berry has not let the characters remain in a stagnant time bubble. He's shifted the presidential administration along with the rules of play for our characters, but found ways to keep telling their stories. This one contains a huge shift again, and that final event as the story closed... dang, that made me want the next one right away!!!

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Review: Imaginary Numbers

Imaginary Numbers by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know how to write this review. I'm just in awe of Seanan's ability to change up the main character so often and still keep all the storylines straight and the character voices so strong.

CUCKOOS. That's right, what we've all been waiting for. More lore, more interactions, more HOLY CRAP CUCKOOS. More Sarah, who, after the events of the beginning of the series, has been mostly sitting out recovering. More Artie, who hasn't had a lot of screen time yet, but is very intriguing and even gets his own POV. More Annie and Sam and James, more Elsie, more of the rest of the family.

I can't say much more without giving away the storyline - and it's a doozy - so I'll stop there. Please please please don't read this one without reading the rest of the series. Most of the novellas are okay to bypass for now (but please catch up on those too!!!), but this one spoils huge portions of the rest of the series for new readers, as past events are definitely discussed AND have played a huge role in getting us (and Sarah and Artie) to this point.

ALL OF THE STARS.
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Review: The Holdout

The Holdout by Graham Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!

Potential spoilers ahead. Not really any details, but about the structure of the plot after the big reveal. Be warned!

This book was hard to put down and had a great story, with the past and the present intertwining into one big ball of mystery. I think my only complaint was that the biggest twist wasn't entirely unpredictable, and right after the reveal the book just ends. Bam. Over. Just like that. In spite of that, I really enjoyed the twists and turns and getting to meet this cast. I liked Maya and felt like she was a great main character. Overall, I'd say it was a great book.

Four and a half stars that I just can't round up to five.

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Review: Hard Ride

Hard Ride by A.M. Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!

Yet another solid entry into the Clean Slate Ranch series, which if you hadn't noticed has become a guilty pleasure of mine. I love a sexy cowboy who also happens to dig other dudes! :)

I really liked that we got to see Derrick, who has been around since the first book, get some major screentime and a happy ending. I also really liked Slater, who was manly in all the right ways and not at all in the toxic masculinity kind of way. I liked their backstories, the angst that those caused, the way they cared for each other, and the way they fit right into each other's families. Sure, it wasn't entirely realistic, but do we read romance novels for 100% realism? No, we don't!

And I have to say, the book starts on a great note... hot late night home gym sexy times with a dominant muscly cowboy man. Yes, please.

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Review: Dead Witch Walking

Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rereading the series (or at least attempting to finish it) before the new book 14 comes out later this year. I'd forgotten just how much I adored Jenks - one of the best UF characters of all time!

Very much enjoyed this revisit and can't wait to jump into number 2. :)

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Fun book! I liked the characters enough to keep going. :)

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Review: The Christmas Deal

The Christmas Deal by Keira Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really great story. I'm a little bit (read: a lot) in lust with Logan. And I'm a little bit like Seth myself, so that works out well, right?

I can't say no to a growly, fuzzy, muscly, broody, dominant man who likes to dirty talk. Just can't.

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Review: The Secret Chapter

The Secret Chapter by Genevieve Cogman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.


Not gonna lie, I adore this series. I love the dragons. I love the Fae. I love the Library. I love the Language. But do you know what I'm tired of? Heists. There's been this non-stop barrage of heists in the book world the last few years, and meh, starting to be over it.

Luckily for us, this heist involves Irene Winters who, like Max from Chronicles of St. Mary's, runs headlong into trouble but has the wit and fortitude to kick its ass. Irene is such a great character, and I really love her interactions with the dragons and fae. I really like Kai as well, but I was hoping for more Lord Silver and Vale. I miss them!

This one has a few twists and turns and quite a few betrayals, but most importantly, this one pushes the world building and lore past the huge changes from the last book to an even newer place, setting the stage for some serious ramifications.

This series, even with a heist thrown in, continues to be fun. Can't wait for the next one.

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Review: The God Game

The God Game by Danny Tobey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was INSANE. I couldn't put it down - I read this while on a cruise, and stopping for our excursions and meals was really hard, because so much was happening and it just kept bringing me back for more!

To recap it in a spoiler-free nutshell, the main characters sign up for an online game with an AI that claims to be "god" and it starts affecting their real lives. Good things happen. Bad things happen. They do good things. They do bad things. The game starts to control them...

Needless to say, this sci-fi thriller was intense and a lot of fun to read. I'm just glad I was reading about it and not living it!

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Review: Why Is Nothing Ever Simple?

Why Is Nothing Ever Simple? by Jodi Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Introduced some new characters and a new subplot that I expect will make future appearances rather soon. :)

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