Master of One

Sinister sorcery. Gallows humor. A queer romance so glorious it could be right out of fae legend itself. Master of One is a fantasy unlike any other.

Rags is a thief—an excellent one. He’s stolen into noble’s coffers, picked soldier’s pockets, and even liberated a ring or two off the fingers of passersby. Until he’s caught by the Queensguard and forced to find an ancient fae relic for a sadistic royal sorcerer.

But Rags could never have guessed this “relic” would actually be a fae himself—a distractingly handsome, annoyingly perfect, ancient fae prince called Shining Talon. Good thing Rags can think on his toes, because things just get stranger from there…

With the heist and intrigue of Six of Crows and the dark fairy tale feel of The Cruel Prince, this young adult fantasy debut will have readers rooting for a pair of reluctant heroes as they take on a world-ending fae prophecy, a malicious royal plot, and, most dangerously of all, their feelings for each other. 

Review

This book was different than anything else I have read, I loved the premise and the setting was amazing. I expected a little more explantion on the traps to get into the fae ruins, it felt a little rushed. Actually quite a lot of details felt rushed even though it was a really long book. It felt quite slow at times, a little jarring with the rushed details and slow pacing.

I loved all the characters especially Rags, although a couple of times I had to check who’s chapter I was reading since they were pretty similar and hard to tell apart. And some of the characters were not developed enough for me.

But I did love all the action the last 100 pages were excellent, very full of action and lots going on that I could not put the book down. I hope very much there is a second book, I want to know what happens.

4 out of 5 stars

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Arc review: Sea of Kings

Thirteen-year-old Prince Noa has hated the ocean since the day it caused his mother’s death. But staying away from the sea isn’t easy on his tropical island home where he’s stuck trying to keep up with his dim-witted and overconfident younger brother Dagan–the brawn to Noa’s brains. When a vengeful pirate lays siege to their home, Noa and Dagan narrowly escape with their lives. Armed with a stolen ship, a haphazardly assembled crew, and a magical map that makes as much sense as slugs in a salt bath, the brothers set sail for the realm’s other kingdoms in search of help. But navigating the sea proves deadlier than Noa’s worst fears. To free his home, Noa must solve the map’s confusing charts and confront the legendary one-eyed pirate before an evil force spreads across the realm and destroys the very people Noa means to protect.

I recieved a free copy of this book via edelwiess in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy this book, the brothers were very loyal to each other, even if they were very different. The action was fun and descriptive. A little bit over the top at times but in a nice fun way. I think alot youngsters will love reading this book about pirates and adventures. I adored the ending.

4 out of 5 stars

Newcomer

I’m Cami O’Brien, and the powers flowing through my voice are turning destructive.

To gain control of them, I must enroll at Elmwick Academy—ready or not.

Elmwick Academy is home to the town’s legacies—the six types of supernatural beings who masquerade as humans. That is, until they show their teeth during class at the Academy.

And then there are the hunters—the humans trying to uncover our secrets. I’m talking about Mason Fowler, my next-door neighbor with smoldering, brandy-colored eyes, who has taken a sudden interest in me.

In a whirlwind of magical twists, I must learn to tell friend from foe, master my abilities before I lose them, and figure out how to hide my powers from Mason. Because revealing the truth could lead to war…

No wonder they call me the harbinger of death.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book via booksirens in eschange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, it was cheesy as hell but it was fun and not read a book about banshees before. This book may change that for me, I will be reading more. It did have the cliched teen enemies attracted but there was a lot more too it to.

There were some great dynamics between the characters and many mysteries to work out, some I am looking forward to discovering in the second book.

Cami was a great MC, she new what she had to do but she also knew what she wanted, so there was a little battle inside her head, which I loved. I| love books where there are multiple fantasy creatures, which this had, I just wish we found out a little bit more about them all.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and have already got book two sitting on my kindle waiting for me.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: The Rose Princess

In a kingdom of fairies and dragons, Talia is reassuringly normal… until she isn’t. Plucked from her quiet town and thrust into a life as heir to the throne, and betrothed to a powerful duke, she must face up to a terrifying question: what if the curse is real? What if she really is destined to be trapped in eternal sleep?

Duke Caradoc has spent his whole life dominated by his mother, the fierce Duchess of the Northern Wastes. But when he meets Talia, betrothed to him since childhood, he knows that his mother’s lust for power has gone too far. The curse must be stopped… and the answer might lie in Caradoc and Talia’s mysterious dreams.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book booksirens in exchange for an honest review

I loved this book, for the most part. I got engrossed and read it in a couple of days (for a chef that’s quick!) It was well paced, clearly a sleeping beauty retelling but there was a lot of originality. I loved the setting, it seemed like a beautiful Queendom. I loved the powerplays and found all the politics interesting.

Talia was a great MC, she was hadn’t seen most of the kingdom so she discovered along with the reader. I did like how we got Caradoc’s POV a few times. I also love the forest, was a very interesting concept.

The ending baffled me, the final battle happened so quick, it was over in less than half a page. It felt so under whelming. The whole book was leading up to this and it was such a let down. Also the final scene with Rhys was so out of left field, Talia had never showed an ounce in evil then she did that, just felt wrong.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I have already bought the second one in the same setting, let’s hope it’s as good.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: A Curse of Ash and Embers

A dead witch. A bitter curse. A battle of magic.

Some people knit socks by the fire at night. Gyssha Blackbone made monsters.

But the old witch is dead now, and somehow it’s Elodie’s job to clean up the mess.

When she was hired at Black Oak Cottage, Elodie had no idea she’d find herself working for a witch; and her acid-tongued new mistress, Aleida, was not expecting a housemaid to turn up on her doorstep.

Gyssha’s final curse left Aleida practically dead on her feet, and now, with huge monsters roaming the woods, a demonic tree lurking in the orchard and an angry warlock demanding repayment of a debt, Aleida needs Elodie’s help, whether she likes it or not.

And no matter what the old witch throws at her, to Elodie it’s still better than going back home.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book vie edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

I love any book that has a curse in it, so the title grabbed me straight away and I couldn’t wait to read it. It did not disappoint. It was fun, lots of magic and curses, with friendship and mystery thrown in for free. Dee was a great main character, her instincts served her well, she didn’t let poeple cloud her judgements, she made her own mind up.

I loved the idea of the witches, the way we learned about Gyssha was very unique and clever. I would have liked a little more on her, but you never know there might be more in the next book, which I have already bought and cannot wait to read. There were a couple of characters at the start that I would to be reintroduced to, I feel like they were to big to only appear for a chapter then never again.

If you like books with magic and wonder then this book is for you, the pacing is good and there is always something excting going on.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: The Seeds of Power

Her unique skills keep her safe. Until her greatest strength becomes her fatal weakness.

Princess Christal of Larrochar learned long ago that to marry was to risk her life. At twenty-eight she’s resolutely unwed, trusted assistant to the King’s Cultivator and an expert in rare plants.

Then, to her horror, she receives a marriage proposal she can’t refuse. All Prince Daire of Caldermor cares about is elan—the mysterious golden beans that bring his family untold wealth and power. If Daire wants Christal, elan must be at the root of his interest.

Christal’s father would sacrifice her to discover elan’s secrets. The Calderrans would kill to keep them secure. To save herself Christal will need every kernel of knowledge she’s ever gleaned. And the support of Kiran Randsen, elite soldier turned Calderran bodyguard, who may be something even rarer than elan—a man she’d trust with her life.

The Seeds of Power is the first book in the Elan Intrigues fantasy romance series. If you like strong heroines, chivalrous heroes, natural magic, and life-or-death stakes, then you’ll love this powerful historical fantasy by award-winning author Jilly Wood.

Review

I received a free copy of this bookvia booksirens in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book would be more fantasy based, so if you go into looking for magic, and a book full of fantasy you will be disappointed. But if you looking for a book that a historical feel, that has great characters and lots of court intrique, you will be pleased.

It was an intriquing take on a plot that seems to be quite common these days. A princess who is set to marry off for advantage, yet she doesn’t want to. I liked that this did not follow the normal set of rules, although I had worked out early on what was going to happen. It did not stop me enjoying it any though.

Christal was a great main character, she let her past get in her way sometimes but it gave her depth. I want to know more about the Elan plant/ seed, that is the part I was really interested in.I am guessing it will be explained more in the next book, although I do not think I will be reading it. I found that for me ending was good enough.

This book is heavy on romance and lots of love for family. There was a little bit of friendship but Chrital didn’t seem to have any friends, which I didn’t find odd until now, it wasn’t like it was because she was a princess, it was just never mentioned in any context.

Overall a slow paced book full of interesting characters.

4 out of 5 stars

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monster

After a year spent trying to prevent a catastropic war among the Greek gods, Percy Jackson finds his seventh-grade school year unnervingly quiet. His biggest problem is dealing with his new friend, Tyson–a six-foot-three, mentally challenged homeless kid who follows Percy everywhere, making it hard for Percy to have any “normal” friends.

But things don’t stay quiet for long. Percy soon discovers there is trouble at Camp Half-Blood: The magical borders which protect Half-Blood Hill have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and the only safe haven for demigods is on the verge of being overrun by mythological monsters. To save the camp, Percy needs the help of his best friend, Grover, who has been taken prisoner by the Cyclops Polyphemus on an island somewhere in the Sea of Monsters–the dangerous waters Greek heroes have sailed for millenia–only today, the Sea of Monsters goes by a new name…the Bermuda Triangle.

Now Percy and his friends–Grover, Annabeth, and Tyson–must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclopes by the end of the summer or Camp Half-Blood will be destroyed. But first, Percy will learn a stunning new secret about his family–one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon’s son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.

Review

I really love the scapes theses demigods always seem to get themselves into. Nothing in this world is as it seems and that makes the book so much fun. I love how new characters keep making so many twists and turns. I love this series, even as an adult there is so much interesting myths in this series, I cannot wait to read the next three to find out what happens and how this story ends.

4 out of 5 stars

Until All Curses are Lifted

The laws are enforced by magic.
If you break the law, you’re cursed.
But the rich and powerful twisted the laws to allow for… exceptions.

Marshal has been cursed since birth for his unknown father’s crimes. When he discovers he’s also heir to immense magical power, he must flee for his life. His half-brother wants the power for himself and has hired an assassin to pursue Marshal and his mother. No one has ever escaped from a curse, but it’s the only way for Marshal to be truly safe.

Seri wants to become the most powerful mage in history. But the magic that holds the world together is failing and no one knows why. While the ground itself shakes, someone begins murdering mages. In danger from all directions, Seri must learn how to use her unique abilities before everything falls apart.

Neither of them know they are being watched from another realm…

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book booksirens in exchange for an honest review.

I found this really interesting book. I had no idea where it was going and loved it! It did not fall under any usual rules and was nothing like I had every read before. The concept of people being cursed when commiting a crime, was very clever, it was interesting how people treated each other with this hanging over their heads. There was also bindings which happened if you saved someone’s life or helped them in a significant way, you were bound to them until they managed to repay the favour. The bindings seemed almost as cruel as the curses since they could not go too far from the person who saved them.

Marshal was a great character, it was interesting reading about a character who can not communicate in almost anyway. But since you see his POV you can see he is a smart person, which I found very good. It was fun to see how people treated him but he was still a great person and didn’t hold it against anyone.

Siri was fun to read about, she loved learning and discovering mysteries. I loved her new type of magic. I am looking forward to seeing where her story goes in the next book.

THere is plenty of places this can go and I cannot wait to read the next book.

4 out of 5 stars

The Shadows Between Us

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:

1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen.

Review

I was a little unsure if I would like this book when I started it. I only read it because it was a fairyloot book. But I was pleasantly surprised. It found it unlike anything else I have ever read. I like the idea of a Shadow King, but I would have liked a little more fantasy elements into it. I am not too fond of books that just hint at fantasy usually. This was much more a murder mystery-ish with lots of court politics, which in this book was really good.

I loved Allesandra, she really was a piece of work, but she did everything with such sass that I loved it! She thought the world and everyone in it, should treat her with respect that she showed no-one. I really enjoyed her evolution into an almost caring person, well caring for one person.

The plot twists came out of no-where but they were not so random that they annoyed me. Alessandra did luck out of a few situations which is a pet peeve of mine. I did love how random some situations were though.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and will most likley read it again.

4 out of 5 stars

The Apprentice Sorceress

A lady does not raise her voice.
A lady does not tear her gowns.
A lady does not contradict a gentleman.
A lady does not practice magic…
Until now.

Lady Violette has done everything she can to be a perfect lady in waiting to the royal princess of Jerdun. She’s followed the princess halfway across the world and lived through a war. Now the princess is stranded in a foreign city as an enemy army draws near, and Violette is stranded with her.

As more refugees from the conflict pour into their city every day, tension mounts between various factions, and a strange powers begin to stir inside Violette. A magic that protects her, but also seems impossible to control. Magic is not a womanly art, after all, and if anyone should learn of Violette’s powers she could lose her standing in society, her reputation, perhaps even her place at the princess’s side.

The only one she trusts with her secret is Ned, an impish squire and fellow refugee from the war. Instead of being repulsed by her powers, Ned admires Violette. For her part, she can’t deny the attraction she feels for Ned, but he has secrets he refuses to share, a wall that he keeps up between them.

Still, Ned helps Violette finally master her powers, but even mastery has its price when an unscrupulous nobleman looks to use Violette for his own purposes. Torn between serving her princess and saving herself, Violette will have to decide how deep the bonds of loyalty run, and just how much she’s willing to sacrifice for her own happiness.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was well thought out, it was a sweet story about magic and lady who is bound to do what she is told rather than what she knows is right. I found the whole book very intrigueing although I would have liked a little more magic.

I liked Violette although I was a bit confused about her age, she was meant to be 16 I think but had already been married and widowed? She was a little rash at times but it made an interesting read.

The setting was good but I would have liked a little more description. Also the war, I am not sure if it was described in the previous book in the series, since as far as I am aware it’s a series but they are all stand alones. I would have liked a little more insight into the war.

Overall I found it a very interesting read.

4 out of 5 stars