Review: The Serpent in Heaven

The Serpent in Heaven by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery/Saga Press for gifting me an advanced copy. The following is my honest review!

I've really enjoyed the Gunnie Rose series so far, and this one was so refreshing! We got a story from Felicia's perspective, and I think it was a breath of new air that we needed - I mean how often can Lizbeth get into trouble? Her sister is just as big of a trouble-magnet, so I'm glad we get a turn to see some of her shenanigans.

Felicia's got a lot to deal with. She's literally growing up fast, she's in a new place, and she's got chaos around her in the form of unknown assailants.

This one has a little big of everything - magic, romance, intrigue. Definitely recommended, but I'd strongly suggest that you read the three prior books before picking this one up for some important context.

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Review: His Reluctant Cowboy

His Reluctant Cowboy by A.M. Arthur
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thanks to Harlequin Carina Press and Netgalley for the early copy. Below you'll find my honest review.

Major content warnings galore for this one: abuse (physical and sexual).

I've loved the Clean Slate Ranch series and the first book in this Woods Ranch spinoff, but I really am not sure how much I liked this one. It just felt like nonstop pummeling of one of the main characters mixed in with a lot of repetitive phrases and a very formally wooden naughty scene.

I didn't hate it, but I really was hoping for more from the story, and less of the trauma.

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Review: Archangel's Resurrection

Archangel's Resurrection by Nalini Singh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the advanced copy! The following review is my honest opinion.

Oh, man, that ominous title got me!

I really enjoy Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series. It's creative and fun, and I'm invested in a lot of the relationships. I was especially hoping that this one would be part two of the 'ship from the previous book, which progressed a lot slower and didn't go as far, romance wise, as the couple's usually do in these books. That being said, when I found out it was Alexander and Zanaya, I was a little disappointed. But I enjoyed this story too, and the long history of "Xander and Zani."

The current timeline plot was good too - a dark force rises from the grave (no spoilers!)... but what I really struggled with was the way this book was structured compared to others. In most of the books, if there is history between the characters, we see flashbacks sprinkled throughout the modern day storyline. In this one, it started waaaaaay back in the day at their very beginning, and the first 40% or so of the book was their history, with minimal reference to the current events. It made for a slow, slow start, in my opinion.

I also struggled with Alexander and Zanaya's on-again, off-again relationship and constant repetition of the issues that they faced in their relationship. It got very tiresome to have the same thoughts and feelings dredged up over and over and over. We got it the first few times.

All in all, I still love this series and will definitely continue, but this one was a weak entry for me. Three and a half stars, rounded down. I absolutely still recommend this series, and don't suggest skipping any, this one included.

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Review: Sign Here

Sign Here by Claudia Lux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the advanced copy. Below is my honest review.

I was sold when I read the blurb for this one. A worker from Hell who makes Faustian deals as a main character? Yes, please. A family with dark secrets as some of his targets? Yes, please. A character named after Legend of Zelda? Yes, please.

This one had great plotting - the reveals were just at the right times, the character development was spot on, the darkness of the secrets was sufficiently deep. There were some twists that were, well, predictable, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of watching it play out on the page. In fact, this would have been a five star read for me in spite of that, if not for what, to me, feels like a very abrupt ending that didn't provide the most satisfying ending after building emotional connections with these characters throughout the book. Thus, I had to make it a four star rating.

Overall though, it was compelling and hard to put down, and I am now hankering to get my hands on any other Faustian deal books I can find. :)

Definitely recommended - and I'll definitely read more Claudia Lux.

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Review: Dead Man's Hand

Dead Man's Hand by James J. Butcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the early copy. This is my honest review.

Jim Butcher has made a big name for himself in the Urban Fantasy book world. He's huge! So when his son decided to throw his name into the ring as well, I knew I had to give him a shot - a fair one, of course, without judging him by his father's reputation.

I'm so happy that I did! What a fun story! The world-building was great - it was revealed as needed, and explained thoroughly without coming across as info dumps or lecturing. The cast is recognizable based off of some tropes, but also provided enough depth and characterization so that they're not JUST tropes. The plot was well-constructed, and things that seemed extraneous had huge payoffs by the end.

The author also manages to avoid some of the things that people complain about in his dad's work, namely the commentary on every female character's body.

All in all, I really enjoyed this one and will pick up book two if and when it releases. Recommended for urban fantasy fans.

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Review: The Sacrifice

The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for the advanced copy. Below is my honest review.

I was really in the mood for a good horror novel, and this one fit the bill.

Deep in the wilds of the Philippines lies a mysterious island, said to be cursed and home to a god, waiting for sacrifices to awaken and remake the world. Young Alon and their dog are the only locals willing to step foot on this island, full of things seen only out of the corner of the eye, so when a film crew swoops in to make a documentary of the sordid history of strange occurrences and deaths, Alon steps in to help guide them in an attempt to quell the spirits of the island's desires. Thing is, not everyone who came along is there to be respectful, and inner demons will clash with outer ones in this dark tale of secrets and judgment.

Also really liked the multiple forms of representation in this book. It was really well done.

I just wanted a little bit more, so four and a half stars, rounded to four.

Definitely still impressed with this one, and absolutely want to pick up more of this author's works.

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Review: House of Hunger

House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the advanced copy. Below is my honest review.

I really enjoyed the author's debut novel, The Year of the Witching, so when I saw this one, I knew I had to pick it up.

This one was fantastic! It was an interesting take on a historical legend (no spoilers), and was really well done. It was so compelling that I read it in less than a day! I just had to know what was going to happen next... and then I got the end and was disappointed that such a good story was over.

Looking forward to her next idea! :)

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Review: Monsters Born and Made

Monsters Born and Made by Tanvi Berwah
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for gifting me an advanced copy. The opinions below are my own honest review.

The Pros: a (mostly) strong female protagonist, neat mythical creatures, a high stakes tournament, a relatively interesting caste system

The Cons: feels a lot like a ripoff of Scorpio Races and Hunger Games, a confusing world - both in setup and in mythology (the mythology feels like a very poorly executed amalgam of too much mythological lore crammed together), a bit predictable, and it took way to long to really understand why so much revolved around maristag hunting (seriously, aren't there other ways to get income?).

Overall, it was a decent book. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. I'm not sure I liked it that much, so, an average star rating it is. Two and a half stars rounded up. Recommended for patient enjoyers of dystopian YA with lots of mythological influence.

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Review: Final Heir

Final Heir by Faith Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for gifting me an advanced copy. Below is my honest review.

Final Heir... the last book in the Jane Yellowrock series. I wasn't ready for this. I've been following this series for years, and I knew it was coming, and I still wasn't ready for the end.

Thankfully, Faith Hunter did an excellent job tying up the series with a satisfying ending and a helluva ride to get to that ending.

This series is long - this is book 15 - and you definitely need to read the rest for the proper appreciation of all of the character development and plot woven into Final Heir.

Highly recommended series. One of my absolute favorites, it will be missed greatly.

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Review: Be the Serpent

Be the Serpent by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Berkeley gave me an advanced copy through Netgalley. I really appreciate it! I've decided to review the book, and this is my honest opinion.

Phew, this one was a long time coming, and it has completely shaken up the world of October Daye. Big reveals, big twists, big losses, big changes, and what appears to be a cliffhanger that will kill me slowly over the next year waiting for the following book.

I really can't say much about the book, because pretty much anything will give away spoilers. Let's just say that this one has some devastating consequences for both Toby, her family, and Faerie in general. Like big massive serious consequences. I'm totally here for it... but I'm also saddened by the hits Toby has taken.

Following the novel, there is a brief novella staring the Luidaeg, long before we know her, with some big things happening to her as well.

Five+ stars, but highly recommended to read the rest of the series first.

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Review: Suburban Hell

Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

This was an absolutely fantastic horror debut. I really love horror that juxtaposes the horrors of everyday life with even more sinister things. For example, Buffy the Vampire Slayer did a really good job at showing that vampires weren't the only monsters - high school could also be hell, parents could die, relationships were hard. Suburban Hell showed that being an adult is difficult, but even more so that being a mother in today's world is challenging. Women still face societal expectations of filling the subservient role of childrearing and housekeeping, and men seem to find excuses to not carry their share of the burden.

But alongside this, we also see a group of friends face off against a possession... and that entity wants them DESTROYED.

Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommended for horror fans.

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Review: Soul Taken

Soul Taken by Patricia Briggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for gifting me an advanced copy. Below I provide my honest review.

Seriously, everyone... this one is GOOD. It has some major implications for the series and some huge stakes. If I had to sum up this book's theme in one word, it would be Connections. Mercy learns so much more about the pack bonds, about vampire bonds, about fae bonds. Relationships are revealed and created and strengthened. Events are shown to be related to each other. Connections all around.

This one has some horror elements, which I loved. If you're not a fan of horror, that's okay, but this one is still along the lines of the rest of the series.

I need the next one now!!! Next year we get another Mercy book, and I am foaming at the mouth in anticipation! (I'm also super excited about the Alpha and Omega book in 2024... but I also still want that hinted at Tom and Moira book! Maybe that will be a story in the upcoming 2023 Instincts anthology? Fingers crossed!)

Highly recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy... but please please please read the rest of the series first!

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Review: Ruby Fever

Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for gifting me an advanced copy of this book. I was so excited to get my hands on it! Below is my honest review.

Anything Ilona Andrews writes is gold, pure gold. Hidden Legacy is no exception. I know they had a lot of struggle on getting this one to where they wanted it to be, but it turned out to be top notch and the perfect conclusion to Catalina's time as the main character.

Ruby Fever brings the Arkan story to an explosive ending, and is chock full of action. Twists and turns abound! Catalina has really grown into her role, and having to step up and do this job without Linus really pushes her limits. Thankfully, she has Alessandro and an amazing family/framily to support her.

I absolutely loved this trilogy and adore this world, and really hope that the tidbit at the end was a hint of more to come.

Highly recommended - with the caveat that this is the third Catalina book, which followed a Nevada trilogy, and threads of all of those previous books are found in this one.

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Review: Stay Awake

Stay Awake by Megan Goldin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's for providing me with this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was un-put-down-able! This is my third Megan Goldin - since her release of the Escape Room a few years ago, I've read all her new releases. I just discovered in preparation for this review, that she has one more book - her debut - that I haven't read yet. I'll be remedying that this year, and in the future, all of her books will be on my radar.

I absolutely loved this one. The premise is pretty awesome, and while I did figure out the mystery (I read a lot of mystery and sometimes it just jumps out to me), I loved the ride. I was so sucked in that I couldn't stop reading it. I needed to know what happened, both in the present and in Liv's past.

This was an intensely-paced and fantastically plotted, with reveals showing up at just the right speed.

My only gripe was that the main character was supposed to be an American, and it's set in New York City, but some of the language used is clearly outside US vernacular. Example: whereas in the US, we'd say "his phone was busy" or "she got a busy signal when she called him," this novel uses "his phone was engaged."

All in all, a very minor gripe, but did pull me out of the story a little bit.

If you're a fan of fast pace, danger at every turn, and never knowing who to trust kinda thrillers, this novel is for you! Highly recommended.

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Review: Upgrade

Upgrade by Blake Crouch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

I love Blake Crouch. His Wayward Pines trilogy was a massive yes for me, and I really enjoyed both Excursion and Dark Matter. Unfortunately, this one fell a little flat for me.

I really enjoyed the concept and most of the execution, but I think what really pulled me out of the story was the constant reminder that Logan had been upgraded. I understand that's the point, but after a while, knowing what his heart rate was and how it had changed from the prior paragraph got to be distracting for me.

His moral of the story was on point though - we as humans fail epically at empathy for humankind as a whole, and we're driving ourselves to the point of extinction and refusing to sacrifice for change.

I liked this one, but didn't love it, so I gave it 3.5 stars. I rounded up to 4.

Would I recommend it? Yes, it's still a fantastic story... just go in knowing there's some info-dumping that might pull you out of the tale for a bit.

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Review: They Want to Kill Americans: The Militias, Terrorists, and Deranged Ideology of the Trump Insurgency

They Want to Kill Americans: The Militias, Terrorists, and Deranged Ideology of the Trump Insurgency by Malcolm W. Nance
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the gift of an advanced copy. The opinions below are my honest review.

Wow. Malcolm Nance provides a thoroughly researched and cited look into what led to the Trump Insurgency movement and the possible future ahead. It's absolutely terrifying how many people have fallen prey to and joined this radicalized fellowship and how violent their hate has been shown to be.

My biggest gripe is that there are some sensationalist parts.

All in all, a chilling glimpse at what our future might hold if we don't fight to save our fellow Americans from the crazy radical Trump cult. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

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Review: The It Girl

The It Girl by Ruth Ware
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Special thanks to Netgalley and Gallery/Scout Press for the gift of an advanced copy! Below is my honest review.

Ruth Ware has done it again. This is probably her best plotted book so far. The "Before" intertwined with the "After" format really worked for me. The story was expertly structured to shift suspicions back and forth and reveal new clues at different times. The solution is hidden in plain sight through lots of very subtle but obviously-there-when-you-look-back clues. Did I figure it out? Yes, but only because I had a nagging suspicion at the very beginning, before anything even happened, that made me look out for those tiny hints. Did that take anything away from my enjoyment? No, absolutely not.

Ware has proven repeatedly that she's a mystery powerhouse, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's great stories. I need to read the two earliest books of hers that I haven't yet while I wait anxiously for her next great mystery. She's definitely joined my instant read author list.

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Review: Chrysalis

Chrysalis by Lincoln Child
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an advanced copy.

I really enjoy the Jeremy Logan series. It's a lot of fun. This one wasn't quite as good as the others I've read in the series. I think I just wasn't as invested in the technology that made up the premise of the novel, nor did I connect with any of the characters all that much. That said, the story was entertaining, action-packed, and a fast read, so this one got three and a half stars rounded up.

Recommended for fans of technothrillers or Pendergast/Lincoln and Child.

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Review: The Final Strife

The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Ballantine for gifting me a copy of this book. The following is my honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this one. I liked the concept and the representation, but I wasn't a big fan of the main character, the weight comments, the slow pace, or the weird love triangle involving adopted siblings.

It just wasn't for me, but I think a lot of people would enjoy it, and I wish the author the most success!

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Review: The Locked Room

The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Mariner books for gifting me an advanced copy. Below you'll find my honest review.

I really love Elly Griffiths Ruth Galloway series. I'm heavily invested in the characters and their lives... so this one threw me for a loop because, just like the rest of us, this world was shaken by Covid-19.

I figured out the murderer, but I enjoyed the story... even if the Covid-19 parts brought back some trauma and made it less of an escape than I usually want from my books.

I'm interested to see where it's going next, because of how it ended.

Guess we'll see soon enough! (Fingers crossed)

Definitely recommend this series, but please read from the beginning. There's a lot of history here and you'll be at a loss if you don't read the rest.

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Review: Locklands

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

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Ballantine for gifting me an advanced copy of this novel. Below you'll find my honest review.

Clef is such an interesting character and I'm glad we got to know more of his backstory, and the history of how this world got to the point it is at in the novels.

This was a pretty satisfying ending to the trilogy, but boy was it hard to read that last bit. You always know in war that not everyone will make it out alive, but sometimes you just hope that the plot armor kicks in!

I deducted a star because, for me, the first quarter of the book was really hard to get into.

All in all, a really good trilogy that I highly recommend, but please start with Foundryside and not this one.

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Review: Trouble with the Cursed

Trouble with the Cursed by Kim Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Special thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for gifting me a copy of this book. The opinion expressed below is my honest opinion.

I am so glad that Kim Harrison decided to return to the world of Rachel Morgan! She's got some seriously interesting plotlines going through the last three books, the new ones, and I am loving where the story has been taken.

This one cleared up a few questions we had, sets up some new things, and really digs deep into Rachel's life. A long game is revealed, and it's so fun to read (but man, poor Rachel, yet again! lol).

I don't want to reveal any more, because there's some big stuff happening in this one. I can't wait for what comes next!

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Review: The Omega Factor

The Omega Factor by Steve Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central for gifting me an advanced copy. I provide my honest review below.

I'm really glad that Berry decided to take a break from Cotton Malone and write a palate cleanser with a new protagonist. I adore the Cotton Malone series, but the last one just felt off to me, and this was the breath I needed to return to Cotton next year with a fresh perspective.

Nick Lee was a fun new lead, but honestly, it didn't feel like he was a solo lead. It felt like an ensemble cast, which I also really liked. While I get the feeling that he's probably the only major player that would make a return if we get more Nick Lee adventures, I did very much enjoy getting to follow a large group of principals heading towards an inevitable clash.

All in all, a great read and a lot of fun. Definitely recommend.

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Review: A Rip Through Time

A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series, and have yet to pick up one of her other series. When I saw this available for request at Netgalley, I jumped at the chance to try a new one.

That's my mistake, not because the book is bad, but because it was REALLY good and now I have to wait who-knows-how-long for book two!!!!

Mallory is a fantastic character, well developed, brave, intelligent, and thoughtful. The supporting cast members are all interesting, and the plot definitely was a good mystery. I also enjoyed the setting, the world-building, and the excellent pacing of the story.

I did guess the solution a little early, so couldn't give it a full 5 stars, but 4.5 (had to round down for Goodreads/Amazon) is still great! Absolutely worth picking up.

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Review: Deep Water

Deep Water by Emma Bamford
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery/Scout Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sadly, an honest review is what I have to give. I didn't care for this one. It opened with a fantastic hook, but quickly jumped back in time and then spent countless pages on mundane details like fixing up the boat, sailing, spending time on the water, etc before any of the meat of the story happened.

I feel like this would have been a better hour and a half movie, rather than a book that took more hours than that to read. I also feel like I've seen this movie and read this story before, but executed better.

The only character I found really likeable was Gus, the dog. The rest were either unlikeable or not fleshed out enough to cause me to invest. The setting was good, but was definitely underused, and the details of the history of the island were a huge waste of words. The specific plot "twists" were all predictable.

I did like the "much later" epilogue that closed out the story decently.

Overall, it was a bore with a few random redeeming qualities, such as the setting and the hook. So, two and a half stars rounded down.

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Review: I Kissed Shara Wheeler

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Casey McQuiston strikes again! So far, I've loved everything they've written.

This one brought back some memories of private Christian school (for me, from third to twelfth grade!!) - some good, some not so good. I'm a little jealous of Chloe's support circle. I didn't have that in my life in school.

I feel like this was probably more of a four or four-and-a-half star read, but I literally could not put it down. I stayed up well into the night until I couldn't keep my eyes open, then picked it up again first thing in the morning. To me, that kind of a book gets that extra star.

I really enjoyed following Chloe, Smith, and Rory as they delved into this puzzle that Shara created for them, seeing the aftermath, and basking in the afterglow.

Highly recommended.

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Review: Heroic Hearts

Heroic Hearts by Jim Butcher
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 I had to request this one when I saw who some of the authors were!!!

Overall score: I have to give this one 5 stars, because the 4 and 5 star stories were just THAT GOOD.

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Little Things by Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files
My Series Status: Devoted Follower/Obsessee
Stars: Four

NOTE: Do not read this without having read the series up to Battle Ground. Spoilers, people, spoilers.

I love Toot-Toot. Seriously, he's the reason I requested this anthology. Sure, there are plenty of great authors contributing to it, but a story from Toot's perspective was NECESSARY in my life.

I loved this one! It was really cool to be in Toot-Toot's head and see how he views Dresden, Mister, feelings, and the world around him.
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The Dark Ship by Anne Bishop
Series: The Others
My Series Status: Devoted Follower/Obsessee
Stars: Five (I'd give more if five weren't the limit)
Absolute gem of a story. We get a story set in the world of The Others, but this time, it's in Cel-Romano and revolves around a separate cast in the Mediterranean Sea area. This story was fantastic - I loved the characters, the buildup, and the way she ended it just right.
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Comfort Zone by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Darkest Powers/The Otherworld Universe
My Series Status: New to me and Devoted Follower/Obsessee
Stars: Four

New characters in a side story from The Otherworld. A necromancer and a werewolf. Honestly, I feel like they might have been from the secret lab in Stolen. But it's been a long time since I've read the early books. Either way, we get a brief mention of the Nasts too! These two characters decide to start using their powers for good, and this is their first case. Really enjoyed it.
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Train to Last Hope by Annie Bellet
Series: N/A
My Series Status: N/A
Stars: Five

I have no idea if these are side characters from her Twenty-Sided Sorceress world or not, as this is my first time reading Annie Bellet, but I very much enjoyed this one. It threw you right into the story and built the history up as you went along, but it worked really well and showed pretty damn deep characterization for such a shorty. Nailed it.

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Fire Hazard by Kevin Hearne
Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles
My Series Status: Read through book 7 (currently two books behind)
Stars: Three

I liked the first few books in this series, but the last few haven't been as fun or as exciting. Maybe it's just me, but I grew kinda bored of the whole series, which is a shame, because I love Oberon and Granuaile. This one is from Oberon's point of view, which made it more entertaining, but I also am missing a few things for this one since I haven't read the last two books of the series.

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Grave Gambles by R.R. Virdi
Series: The Grave Report
My Series Status: New to me
Stars: Four

Umm, wow. That was a great story! Definitely going to have to pick up this series. I loved the premise - body-hopping soul jumps into murdered people's bodies and solves their murders!

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Silverspell by Chloe Neill
Series: Heirs of Chicagoland
My Series Status: New to me
Stars: Three and a half

It was a little predictable, but it was also interesting enough that I will definitely be checking out the main series (though I'll start with the series Chicagoland, as this Heirs series is a followup/spinoff).

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Troll Life by Kerrie L. Hughes
Series: N/A
My Series Status: N/A
Stars: Four

I'd read more about this world! I loved the development in such a short story. Excellent job building the world. I really liked all the different supernaturals in one story!

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The Return of the Mage by Charlaine Harris
Series: Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Universe
My Series Status: Devoted Follower/Obsessee
Stars: Three

Batanya and Clovache, Britlingen Mercs from All Together Dead, are back in this shortie. It was a very strange story, but oddly intriguing. I'd read more about these Britlingens! :)

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The Vampires Karamazov by Nancy Holder
Series: N/A
My Series Status: N/A
Stars: Two and a half

I really didn't care much for this one. I liked Alexei's struggle with good/evil, but I thought the ending was contrived and just wasn't a fan.

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The Necessity of Pragmatic Magic by Jennifer Brozek
Series: N/A
My Series Status: N/A
Stars: Four

First, I want more Maureen and Felicia. They were hilarious and brave. Second, I want to know what "Him" was. This story was super fun!

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Dating Terrors by Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega (Mercyverse)
My Series Status: Devoted Follower/Obsessee
Stars: Five

Asil is such an interesting character, and these little side shorts reveal so much more of who he is at his core. His gracious protection of the characters in this book really make his personality shine, and I very much enjoyed meeting Ruby and her team. I also loved seeing Asil's wolf become his partner again after so long... and the claim it made... I'm gonna need so much more of this story! Please give us more, Patty!!

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Review: Of Claws and Fangs

Of Claws and Fangs by Faith Hunter
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've read many of these short stories before, as this anthology is a compilation of all the shorties that she's put out since the release of her first compilation anthology, Blood in Her Veins. But of course, revisiting Jane's world is always a pleasure and it's been a long time for most of these stories, so I'm reading them all again! Yay!

ALL of these stories were good, most of them I'd call great.
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Story: Candy from a Vampire
I love Leo and I love Del, and I liked this glimpse of seeing Leo's growth. I also really loved getting the story of Leo's decision to give Del real responsibility. Plus, I love Halloween!
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Story: Make It Snappy
We get another glimpse of Leo in this one, and it has a fantastic twist. I also love seeing some of Leo's history come back to haunt him.
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Story: It's Just a Date
Wish we'd had a little more of the date before the stuff happens... or a little more of the date after. But it was cute to see Wrassler and Jodi so nervous. :)
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Story: Life's a Bitch and Then You Die
Hard to read, but great history of Wesa and Cat working together for the first time and understanding the origin of the "Beast" moniker.
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Story: Black Friday Shopping
I love me some Nell and Occam, but this story just left me wanting more - more explanation, more resolution, more!
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Story: How Occam Got His Name
Devastating story. But I sure do adore Occam.
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Story: Shiloh and the Brick
Leo always has plans within plans within plans, years ahead.
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Story: Beast Hunts Vampire with Jane
It's always fun to be in Beast's thoughts.
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Story: Of Cats and Cars
Do you know how much I love Edmund? SO MUCH. And Beast has always wanted to ride in that car... deals and hinjinx ensue, obviously. I really enjoyed getting Edmund's POV - especially his grief over you know who's death - juxtaposed with Beast's.
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Story: Beast Hunts Pie-Bald Deer
That was a cute interaction between Beast and Faith Hunter, told from Beast's perspective.
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Story: Jane Tracks Down Miz A
What a truly sad tale. :(
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Story: Anzu, Duba, Beast
Gee is a very interesting character. Feathers and lightning and Mercy Blade status. Plus, it's really fun to see Jane get to shift into new things. Plus who doesn't love a good zombie were-bear-hyena story?
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Story: Eighteen Sixty
Ayatas is so interesting and I loved getting to see some of his backstory... also, Everhart reference!!!
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Story: Wolves Howling in the Night
More of Ayatas and Etsi Everhart. A little harder to read, based on the subject matter (potential trigger warning!), but a good story and shows Ayatas' sense of justice and morality.
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Story: Death and the Fashionista
My favorite supernaturals to read about are... witches! And I adore the Everharts. Personality-wise, they're fantastic. Power-wise, they're badass. This story is no exception. We get to see a handful of the Everhart Trueblood clan go up against Death, Fear, and demon of dark magic... and it's a BLAST.
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Story: My Dark Knight
Witch stuff AND Edmund? Yes please! Angie and Edmund's bond is such good reading. I can't wait to see future books after Jane ends. I need to see Angie grown up!
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Story: Bound into Darkness
Eli + Liz 4eva. I love them together!!! Definitely one of my favorites of the anthology. Plus it was way longer :)
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Story: The Ties That Bind
Whaaaat? We get a story with the famous Everhart daughters' MOTHER!? Awesome! :) We get to see a little bit more of what's going on in Bound into Darkness, but events that took place elsewhere. I love Faith's witch lore.

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Review: Ballad & Dagger

Ballad & Dagger by Daniel José Older
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

Overall, I gave this book 3.5 stars, rounded up. The first half was... a slog. It was slow and political and not much happened. It picked up after that, and I'm really glad that I finished it. The last 30% or so was fantastic - things finally picked up, more powers were used, stuff happened!

I loved the lore of San Madrigal, and I loved the spirits. I wish we'd been able to see more use of the powers and a bit more action in the first half to make it interesting. It was a lot more political than I expected for a YA book.

I loved the POC representation and the cultural aspects of the book.

Will I pick up the sequel? Probably. The end of this one was good enough to warrant that.

Recommended for fans of mythology and Rick Riordan books with patience for slow beginnings.

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Review: The Agathas

The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Delacorte for the ARC. This is my honest review.

I really loved this one! It was a well-crafted YA mystery with some homages to the Queen of Crime herself, Dame Agatha Christie.

The two main characters, Iris and Alice, are well-developed and have depth. The potential murderers are all pretty well-developed too, and the mystery throws enough wrenches in the works to make you keep jumping from suspect to suspect. I think the Dame would be proud of Alice, using her Christie obsession to help them solve the case.

I would absolutely love if this were a series, so here's hoping for more. If you're a fan of Agatha Christie, YA, and mysteries, then you should definitely pick this one up. Highly recommended.

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Review: Seasonal Fears

Seasonal Fears by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tor through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own honest ones.

Yet again, Seanan McGuire proves why she's in my list of top favorite authors. She writes a unique story, full of twists and turns, while building a world that is deep, developed, and believable. She made me care about these characters, just like in Middlegame, and root for them. She made me want to get more glimpses of the alchemical world.

In this one, we follow Harry and Melanie as they learn that their future is a bit predetermined, and their journey to make that fate their own.

Highly recommended for those who love Seanan McGuire, seasons, the supernatural, urban fantasy, and road trips. I'd also say it's probably best to read Middlegame first. There is some stuff revealed in this one that spoils the first book. That's your fair warning! I'm thinking there will be more in this world, so fingers crossed for another installment.

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Review: Hide

Hide by Kiersten White
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.

You ever read one of those books that plays out like a movie in your head? It's got a good pace. It's got a good premise. It's got a good cast. It's got a good setting. It's got everything needed to fit the mold of a modern day smash at the box office.

This book... is that. It has all of those things. And I think it should be a movie.

The characters were great - I hated some, I loved some, I had some to root for.

The premise was awesome - the readers were given hints that not all was as it seemed, but we watched the cast slowly figure it out.

The storyline was fantastic - the perfect horror movie setup and build.

All in all, the only complaint that I had was that, at the end, I was hoping for just a tad bit more. But that's also not a complaint, because the best books always leave you wanting more (in a good way).

Five stars. Highly recommend. Will definitely be picking up more of this author's work in the future.

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Review: The Stardust Thief

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Orbit for gifting me an advanced copy. Below is my honest review.

WOW. That is a debut! This book was a fun romp through the wild heat of the desert, steeped in magic and dripping with violence (but not in a gory way).

I loved the magic in this book. The jinns were fantastic, their magics and histories were intriguing, and while the beginning was a little slow to get going (which I think was a mood thing for me and nothing to do with the book itself), it picked up pretty quickly. The relics were so much fun - think Xiaolin Showdown meets A Thousand and One Nights.

But do you know what is disappointing? I read this one early... which means my wait for book two will be longer than the average reader. *stomps feet* Not fair!

Highly recommended. Definitely will pick up book two as soon as it's available to me!!! While in London for vacation this past week, we went the famous Piccadilly Circus 6 floor Waterstones. They had multiple displays of this one... and anyone nearby who was looking at it got my recommendation!

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Review: The Girl and the Moon

The Girl and the Moon 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.

Mark Lawrence really knows how to plot trilogies expertly. So far, I've read Book of the Ancestor and Book of the Ice and loved them both. I own the Impossible Times trilogy, and once I read those, will go back for Broken Empire.

I care deeply about the characters in this trilogy, as much as the ones from Book of the Ancestor, and really need more. The blurb doesn't say "trilogy," instead saying "series," so maybe this one will have more? *sighs*

Highly recommend this one, but with the caveat that you at least need to read the first two Book of the Ice before picking this one up. I'd definitely suggest reading Book of the Ancestor first as well, and as many others have mentioned his other series, perhaps those too. There are connections a-plenty.

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Review: A Catalogue of Catastrophe

A Catalogue of Catastrophe by Jodi Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

I can't begin to describe how much fun Jodi Taylor's books are. I adore both St. Mary's and the Time Police spinoff, and they're absolutely highlights of my reading each year.

This one didn't fail to meet that qualification. Yet again, smashing success!

We pick up where we left off - with Max and Markham on the outs from St. Mary's, working with Smallhope and Pennyroyal as time bounty hunters. Only this time, someone invades their home base. Consequences abound! Shenanigans ensue!

We roll through a bunch of important moments in history, per the usual, this time focusing on trying to figure out this shady organization's plans. On top of all that, Max is starting to experience the side effects of all her time hopping and things are getting... weird.

I can't say more, as I don't want to spoil anything... but I am a little annoyed that now I have an extra few weeks to wait before the followup would come out next year, since I had an ARC. I am so excited to see more of this new shady group and what their goals are.

If you haven't read the Chronicles of St. Mary's, then you should definitely start at the beginning. Also, what's wrong with you? Go read them! They're amazing.

HIGHLY recommended.

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Review: Crowbones

Crowbones by Anne Bishop
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

In this book, we return to the Jumble and Vicki DeVine, first introduced in 2018's Lake Silence, which also happened to be the beginning of our visits to places other than Lakeside and people other than Meg Corbyn and her new family. We took a little detour in the next book, Wild Country, to witness some monumental events that had far-reaching effects for all humans. And now, we're back at the Jumble.

It's Trickster Night (their version of Halloween), and who should make a terrifying appearance? Crowbones, the ancient spirit Crowgard parents used to keep their kids behaving properly! In Crowbones' wake, bodies start piling up.

Vicki and her fellow humans and the Others who live in Sproing must work together to figure out who is causing the stir, as even bigger Elders and Hunters cut off the town from the outside world and begin Hunting themselves.

It was a great book, but I had a little trouble getting into it at the beginning, so I gave it 4.5 stars. I rounded down because the culprit(s) were a little obvious, but it was still a fantastic story.

I adore this world, and some cameos we got! I can't wait for the next Others-verse story!!!

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Review: Spelunking Through Hell: A Visitor's Guide to the Underworld

Spelunking Through Hell: A Visitor's Guide to the Underworld 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.

We finally arrived at Alice's book. Ten main series novels and countless novellas/shorties later (available on her website and Patreon), multiple years of Incryptid-verse buildup and we finally get to go on Alice's journey to find Thomas.

I can't say much, because this book is a huge deal and I don't want to spoil anything... but what I will say is that all the anticipation was worth it. In this book, we get to follow Alice through multiple dimension/universes/worlds on her quest to bring home her husband.

Is she successful? I can't tell you that. Spoilers, sweetie. But what I can say is that there will be ramifications for the events of this book... and Seanan knows exactly how to leave you already frothing at the mouth for the next book.

Pick this one up, but start at the beginning of the series if you haven't already, and please do find the time to read all of the novellas and short stories leading up to this. It'll make this one feel much richer in story, character, and plot.

Side note - the bonus novella in this book was a gem - hard to read, but a gem nonetheless.

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Review: Diablo Mesa

Diablo Mesa by Douglas Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

This one started with a bang and then kicked it up a few notches. Wasn't really expecting an alien/UFO storyline, especially with Nora Kelly, who is very scientific and quite the skeptic. I also wasn't sure if I'd like it... but I did.

Lots of twists and turns. Lots of buildup. Lots of tension and knowing things are coming but not being able to do anything but observe (aka read).

I'd have totally given this one 5 stars, but there was a serious "plot armor" situation going on that made me reduce to 4.5 stars, and I couldn't round up. It takes some of the tension out of the end, really, and took me out of the story a bit.

Overall, another fantastic entry into the Pendergast-verse, this time in the Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson series. Pick it up, but if you're not going to read the entire Pendergast series, at the very least, read the first two in this spinoff before jumping in here.

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Review: Two Truths and a Lie

Two Truths and a Lie by April Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had a hard time putting this one down. I love an isolated murder mystery, and I've always had an obsession with Agatha Christie. This one was a compelling story. The short chapters made it so easy to just "one more chapter" this one late into the night, and the setup was riveting.

Unfortunately for me, the ending fell a little flat. It was kind of predictable, as I guessed the solution really early. And while I know this one was YA, I never really felt like the stakes got high enough.

Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars out of 5, and I'll round up for the amazing start and the way it held my attention enough to read it so quickly in two sittings. I also really liked the main character, so that bumped it up too.

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Review: Kingdom of Bones

Kingdom of Bones by James Rollins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A giant thank you to William Morrow for sending me a physical advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

I've been a big fan of James Rollins since I randomly picked up Map of Bones to have something to read in the car on a road trip with my brother - that should tell you how long I've been following this series!

This one had a breakneck speed - the story hits the ground running and doesn't really ever stop. I very much enjoyed some of the new characters that were introduced. Even though they might just be one-offs, I hope we get to see some of them again!

Definitely pick this one up. There's a bit of backstory that you'll miss out on if you haven't read the rest of the series, but it's not 100% vital to have done so. Maybe 80% vital? :)

Highly recommend this series!

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Review: His Fresh Start Cowboy

His Fresh Start Cowboy by A.M. Arthur
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.

When I heard the Clean Slate Ranch was done, I was so sad, so finding out there was going to be a spinoff involving Colt's family, I was over the moon! Hugo was the perfect character to start this series off with.

I felt so bad for the guy. He's had a lot of disappointment and heartache in his life and had the courage to face his past head on... and it was a bumpy ride. But of course, the story took us where we needed to go.

This is a little reminiscent of Red Dirt Heart by N.R. Walker - not a ripoff or anything like that, just a similar setting. That made me love this one so much more because I adored Red Dirt Heart and there just aren't many books like it out there.

The miscommunications were a little cheesy but typical for the genre.

All in all, a great start to a spinoff series. Bring on book two!

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Review: The Starless Crown

The Starless Crown by James Rollins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

I'll be honest here - I had a hard time getting into this book at the beginning. Whether it was my own personal mood or just a slow start, I can't say. But I pushed through, and am SO glad that I did.

The story really started picking up steam in the middle, and the more I got invested in the characters and intrigued by the mysterious nature of most of the events, I was hooked.

I did drop half a star for the slow beginning. I felt it wasn't fair to drop a whole star for that, since it could have just been me. It also lost another half a star for the sheer volume of losses that poor Nyx had to suffer in this book. After a certain point, it was just pure cruelty and I don't know how she's still functioning. I know it's fantasy, but yeesh. Spread the suffering around a little!

All in all, an excellent start to a new fantasy series from one of my favorite authors, James Rollins. I'm excited to see where it goes next.

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Review: Where the Drowned Girls Go

Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Tordotcom/Macmillan-Tor/Forge for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series! I really don't know how the author has all these amazing stories in her head from all of her different series and the ability to get them into words so well. I wish I had 10% of her talent!

Anyways, on to the story. Cora has gone through her door and back again, and then through other doors and back again on quests, and now she's in trouble. The Drowned Gods of the Moors have their eye on her, and want her for their own. And she's scared. So she makes a decision. It's time for a change - and she's decided to go to...that other school... the one Eleanor West tries very hard to be different from... The Whitethorn Institute is a very different place. They are rigid and structured and any talk of quests or other worlds is strictly forbidden. It's a rehab facility and a prison, basically. So Cora must figure out whether or not she wants a normal life or to accept her place in another world and fight against the Drowned Gods. The problem is... her new school isn't quite welcoming to the idea that she gets a choice.

I loved some revisited characters in this one, and I really enjoyed the new setting and new characters. The new school felt very realized and detailed, without spending too much time with overly long description.

Pick up this series, but start at the beginning. The beginning might just be YOUR door.

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