Manga Review: Love Advice From the Great Duke of Hell Volume 1 by unfins

Title: Love Advice from the Great Duke Of Hell #1
Author: unfins
Genre: Fantasy; Graphic Novel; Humor; Manga; Romance
Publication Date: November 5th, 2024
Publisher: WEBTOON unscrolled

The girl of your dreams barely knows you exist. Your friends can’t help. Your family is clueless. So where do you turn for love advice? Who can provide you with that essential assistance for the lovelorn? If you’re an average everyday teenager like Paul, you summon a powerful demon from the deep recesses of Hell, and frankly, hope for the best.
The demon in question is the Great Duke Astaroth, ruler of thirty legions of bloodthirsty hell creatures, powerful enough to raze cities to the ground. And now he finds himself on the mortal plane, compelled…to give a hapless kid dating advice?

In summoning Astaroth, Paul has set off a chaotic series of events. The Great Duke of Hell stands ready to claim Paul’s soul in less than a week, no matter how silly their bargain. Paul’s magic accidentally alerted the agents of the Holy Order, a group dedicated to protecting the world from the forces of evil, that something infernal is afoot. Paul’s sister Juliet, flabbergasted to find a demon in her home, has run away to hire an exorcist.

Plus, Paul’s dad is hiding something. And so is Elena, the object of all of Paul’s affection and the reason for all his complicated scheming.

But who ever said true love was easy?

Rating

*I received a copy of this book digitally for free and am leaving this review voluntarily*


Hello Fellow Readers,

This book was a rollercoaster of ridiculousness and I enjoyed every minute. It's been much too long since I've laughed out loud, much less smiled at something I've read, but Love Advice from the Great Duke of Hell was hilarious. The title alone should give you a clue as to the wackiness that will ensue throughout this graphic novel. There's just something inherently fun about watching each and every single character misunderstand each other and do the complete opposite of what is expected. There isn't one character who knows what is going on, and it just makes this a perfect quick read for me.

Overall, a fun series I cannot wait to keep reading.

 

Book Review: What We Sacrifice for Magic by Andrea Jo DeWerd

 

Title: What We Sacrifice For Magic
Author: Andrea Jo DeWerd
Genre: Fantasy; Historical Fiction; Witches; 
Publication Date: September 24, 2024
Publisher: Alcove Press

It’s 1968, and the Watry-Ridder family is feared and respected in equal measure. The local farmers seek out their water charms, and the teenagers, their love spells. The family’s charms and spells, passed down through generations of witches descending from the Black Forest, have long served the small town of Friedrich, Minnesota.

Eldest daughter Elisabeth has just graduated high school—she is expected to hone her supernatural abilities to take over for her grandmother, the indomitable Madga. She’s also expected to marry her high school sweetheart and live the rest of her life in Friedrich. But all she can ask is, why her? Why is her path set in stone, and what else might be out there for her?

She soon discovers that magic isn’t the only thing inherited in her family. That magic also comes with a great price—and a big family secret. The more she digs, the more questions she has, and the less she trusts the grandmother she thought she knew. Who is Elisabeth without her family? She must ultimately decide what she’s willing to sacrifice for her family, for their secrets and their magic, or risk it all to pave her own way.

Navigating the bittersweet tension between self-discovery and living up to familial expectations, What We Sacrifice for Magic is a touching look at coming into one’s own.

Rating

*I received a copy of this book digitally for free and am leaving this review voluntarily*

Hello Fellow Readers

What We Sacrifice for Magic was an interesting read. The Premise was intriguing and more enjoyable than I thought. The family dynamics were interesting and it made Elisabeth's journey of self-discovery and coming of age all the more important. It was a bumpy ride at first as it just started slow and it took a while for the story to pick up. My main issues were the characters, most felt stilted and awkward, and Elisabeth herself was hard to like. I do understand that she is flawed and quite young and in some ways very strong as well, but there were certain instances where I found her extremely unlikable. Magda was also a bit of a disappointment, and I didn't like the direction DeWerd took her.

Overall, an interesting coming-of-age story. 

Manga Review: Snow & Ink #1 by Miyuki Unohana

Title: Snow and Ink #1
Author Miyuki Unohana
Genre: Fantasy; Historical; Manga; Romance
Publication Date: November 5th, 2024
Publisher: Kodansha Comics

The manga about a dangerous love between killer and heiress that went viral in Japan! A condemned criminal and a wounded, wealthy daughter are lost somewhere between an unchangeable past and an uncertain future in Snow & Ink, a mysterious human drama that combines the melancholy atmosphere of My Happy Marriage with a historical flavor and a journey full of twists.

Sentenced to death for the crime of sadistically killing his entire village, Neneo is all but ready to accept his unfortunate fate when he is mysteriously bought and saved by the wealthy heiress Freya. Emotionless and numb to the world, Freya is also an outcast, hiding deep wounds of her own. Unfazed by the tales of Neneo's crimes, she enlists him to accompany her in her exile to the far north. As this unlikely pair, both shunned by a cold world, venture together into the deep snow, they begin to find warmth in each other. But the past won't let itself be so easily forgotten...

Rating

* I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

Hello Fellow Readers,

It took absolutely no time at all for me to read this, the story is fast-paced and interesting. The characters are also very engaging, and I kept rooting for them. I do like the two leads, Freya and Neneo and I can't wait to see how their relationship develops with the twists and turns that are bound to come with this story. I also really liked Halvard's character and hope he stays a central character in the story. The romance does seem rushed, I felt like I blinked and suddenly the characters were utterly devoted to each other (a bit like Insta-love). The romance would benefit more if it slowed down and allowed the smaller details to shine through. 

Overall, an interesting start that can benefit from slowing down. 

Book Review: A Story Spun in Scarlet by R. Dugan

Title: A Story Spun in Scarlet
Series: Tales of Wonder and Woe #1
Author: R. Dugan
Genre: Epic Fantasy; Romance
Publication Date: March 8th 2024
Publisher: Wave Walker Press

LET ME TELL YOU A STORY…

AUDRA JASHOWIN is a storyteller without a purpose.

When all the tales in the land of Mithra-Sha lost their endings, Audra fled from her family’s rejection and the only home she ever knew. Now, with a sense of veiled danger haunting her heels and her life as devoid of direction as her stories, she arrives at long last in a city of fresh starts and second chances.

There, she finds an adventure greater than she ever dreamed.

JAIK GRISSOM might be the key to bringing back the power of all stories.

A simple farmhand with a way around weapons, Jaik possesses more than a sharp wit that sets Audra’s soul aflame. He’s a natural amplifier with the talent to breathe life into her tales…into all the tales in Mithra-Sha.

Chased from their comfortable lives by a stroke of ill luck on a fateful night, Audra and Jaik embark on a journey for answers—through the wilderness and over the raging sea, to the heart of storytelling itself. Along the way, the strange bond between them deepens as they begin to uncover a mystery that lurks beneath all the broken tales, written in the shroud of their own unlikely pasts.

To mend the fractured stories in Mithra-Sha, Audra and Jaik must learn to embrace what lives at the core of their own the bravery and brilliance, the loyalty and love, and the purpose and power they both harness—together and apart.

And they must face a terrible truth penned between the pages of their quest…a tragedy that will change the course of history and rewrite the ending of their tale forever.

Rating

* I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

Hello Fellow Reader,

Now as I've gotten older I've gotten admittedly less patient with long fantasy books and boy did this feel like a long one. I do feel that Dugan could have cut down on the page numbers and the book would have been so much better, for me. Audra was a great character, smart and head-strong, something more fantasy books need. The worldbuilding was good and the magic system was unique but easy to understand. The plot seemed interesting but honestly, I couldn't focus on it enough due to the overly long details and sentences. Which is a shame as the plot seemed so interesting and unique. 
 

Overall, perfect for those who need a long epic fantasy. 

Book Review: Murder by Lamplight by Patrice Mcdonough

Title: Murder by Lamplight

Series: Dr. Julia Lewis #1
Author: Patrice McDonough
Genre: Historical Fiction; Mystery; Thriller
Publication Date: February 20, 2024
Publisher: Kensington

In the twilight streets of Victorian London, a gruesome series of murders unfolds, and Dr. Julia Lewis—one of Britain’s first female physicians—along with the aloof Detective Inspector Tennant of Scotland Yard reluctantly team up to investigate in this atmospheric, vividly authentic historical mystery series debut.

November 1866: The grisly murder site in London’s East End is thronged with onlookers. None of them expect the calmly efficient young woman among them to be a medical doctor, arrived to examine the corpse. Inspector Richard Tennant, overseeing the investigation, at first makes no effort to disguise his skepticism. But Dr. Julia Lewis is accustomed to such condescension . . .

To study medicine, Julia had to leave Britain, where universities still bar their doors to women, and travel to America. She returned home to work in her grandfather’s practice—and to find London in the grip of a devastating cholera epidemic. In four years, however, she has seen nothing quite like this—a local clergyman’s body sexually mutilated and displayed in a manner that she—and Tennant—both suspect is personal.

Days later, another body is found with links to the first, and Tennant calls in Dr. Lewis again. The murderer begins sending the police taunting letters and tantalizing clues—though the trail leads in multiple directions, from London’s music halls to its grim workhouses and dank sewers. Lewis and Tennant struggle to understand the killer’s dark obsessions and motivations. But there is new urgency, for the doctor’s role appears to have shifted from expert to target. And this killer is no impulsive monster, but a fiendishly calculating opponent, determined to see his plan through to its terrifying conclusion . . .

Rating

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

Hello Fellow Reader,

This gritty historical mystery was exactly what I needed to get over my most recent reading slump. The gripping plot is filled with twists and turns that had me turning page after page. Dr. Julia Lewis is a smart and logical heroine who teams up with an abrasive and stern detective to solve gruesome murders. McDonough certainly had her characters well thought out, they felt real and raw, which I think really shines in this genre of mysteries. I'm no historian but the worldbuilding was great and seemed to stem from McDonough spending her time with research. I also enjoyed the chapters that took place from the killer's perspective, it gave much-needed insight into the murders that we committed. Murder by Lamplight does have a couple of flaws; spotty narrative and rambling prose, but it was an otherwise enjoyable mystery.

Overall, perfect for those who enjoy dark historical mysteries. 

Book Review: Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan

Title: Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop
Series: Halloween Bookshop Mystery
Author: Emmeline Duncan
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publication Date: July 23, 2024
Publisher: Kensington

Bailey Briggs adores her year-round Halloween-themed town of Elyan Hollow, Oregon, but when she takes over her grandfather’s beloved bookshop, Lazy Bones Books, she accidentally discovers the town’s secret dark side . . .

Normally, spooky season is Bailey Briggs’ favorite time of year, and her Halloween-themed small town’s time to shine. But between managing Lazy Bones Books, working on her graphic novel-in-progress, and running the Spooky Season Literary Festival, Bailey hardly has a moment to enjoy Elyan Hollow’s spot-on seasonal vibes. Not to mention, at every turn she seems to be tripping over the contentious crew of Gone Ghouls, a ghost-hunting reality TV show currently filming around town. Bailey tries to stay focused on the Lit Festival, which is supposed to kick off Elyan Hollow’s annual Halloween Fair; instead, this year’s festival begins with a murder . . .

It’s bad enough Bailey discovered the victim, but now, as a lead suspect with some (admittedly) damning evidence pointing her way, she’s got to clear her name! With the help of her librarian friend, Colby, and Jack Skeleton, her world-class bookshop dog (and the absolute bestest boy ever), Bailey sets out to solve a murder . . .

As her investigation weaves through family secrets, professional rivalries, and town feuds, the list of suspects is growing fast . . . and unfortunately, so is the list of victims. If Bailey doesn’t find the killer soon, Elyan Hollow’s haunted reputation will get a little too real . . .

Rating

*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

Hello Fellow Reader,

The concept of a cozy mystery that takes place in a cute Halloween-themed town as well as a bookshop drew me in, unfortunately, it didn't captivate me as much as I hoped it would. Duncan did a great job describing Elyan Hollow, and I got a feel of the small-town life in a tourist town, so much so that I would have loved to visit had it been real. Bailey seemed like she would have been a great lead, especially with her little puppers Jack Skeleton, but I feel she was a little robotic. The plot was very straightforward with almost no twists. Duncan also had the problem of telling their readers things rather than trusting the reader to put things together, Bailey also felt like she was just stumbling along for the ride rather than actually trying to solve the murder and clear her name

Overall, a series with potential if Duncan can learn to trust her readers. 

 

Book Review: The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson

Title: The Fake Mate
Author: Lana Ferguson
Genre: Paranormal; Romance
Publication Date: December 4, 2023
Publisher: Berkley

Mackenzie hasn't had a successful date in months. She's only a year out of residency, and her grandmother's obsession with finding the perfect mate threatens to drive her barking mad, so it should be a small thing when she lies about meeting someone . . . until she blurts out the name of the last man she would ever date: Noah 'The Big Bad Wolf of Denver General' Taylor.

Noah, interventional cardiologist and all-round grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is - an unmated alpha. But when an anonymous tip brings everything to light, he's left with two choices: come clean to the board and risk his career or find himself a mate. So, when the chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asks him to be her fake boyfriend the same day he's called to meet the board, it must be kismet, right?

Mackenzie gets her grandmother off her back, and Noah gets the chance to prove he can continue to work without a real mate - it's a mutually beneficial business transaction. But when the fake-mate act turns to a very real friends-with-benefits arrangement, lines start to blur, and they quickly realise love is a whole different kind of animal.

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

I didn't know how I needed a shifter 'Alpha/Omega' romance until I read Lana Ferguson's The Fake Mate. The Fake dating trope caused me to pick this book up, but the amazing chemistry between Mackenzie and Noah is what had me devouring this book. Not only do we have such steamy spice, but some actual plot as well. The writing was fast-paced and Ferguson took no time to jumpstart the plot and spice. Mackenzie and Noah were great and the attraction was animalistic. 

I like the premise that Alphas and Omegas were rare and the chances of Mackenzie and Noah finding each other were slim, it made it even more obvious that they belonged together. The side characters were interesting and entertaining, I also love the normalcy of the romance despite the paranormal aspect of shifters, most paranormal romances I read have so much angst and violence, so The Fake Mate was a breath of fresh air. 

Overall, a unique take on the fake dating trope. 

Book Review: Silence of Deceit by Cara Devlin

Title: Silence of Deceit
Series: Bow Street Duchess (Book 3)
Author: Cara Devlin
Genre: Historical, Mystery
Publication Date: April 22, 2023

Secrets and lies simmer to the surface in the third riveting Bow Street Duchess mystery.

For years, the Duchess of Fournier has buried a shameful secret connected to her remarkable, if bizarre, ability. While Audrey’s gift has helped her solve cases alongside the captivating Bow Street officer Hugh Marsden, she longs to forget her previous committal to an insane asylum. But now, a blackmailer with a taste for violence is threatening former patients of Shadewell Sanatorium, and it appears the ghosts of Audrey’s past have finally found her.

 

Rating

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

Hello Fellow Readers,

I've finally got around to reading Silence of Deceit the third book in the 'Bow Street Duchess Mystery Series' I enjoyed the first two books and this third one was no different. I've come to appreciate Devlin's writing and conscience plot. So far every book has been interesting and well written, I also find myself paying very close attention to all the details, including the small ones, this is not just to figure out who the killers are but to also remember details because Devlin will usually slip them in other books in the series. 

In Silence of Deceit, we get a glimpse of Audrey's backstory and her time at the Shadewell Sanatorium. The cast of characters in this was vast and interesting. I also love the slow-burn relationship between Hugh and Audrey, Devlin is taking her time, and it's developing into something I am rooting for. Usually, I'm too impatient with Slow-burn romances but the chemistry and Devlin's interesting murder plots really reel me in. 

Overall, this is quickly becoming one of my favorite mystery series. 

Manga Review: Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu Volume 2

Title: Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu Volume 2
by Natsuya Semikawa, Virginia Nitouhei
Genre: Food; Manga
Publication Date: December 11, 2018
Publisher: Udon Entertainment

Japanese-style pub “Nobu” is open for business in an odd, foreign world, and the ever-welcoming Shinobu and Chief are happy to serve up unusually tasty bar food to an array of strange customers. A little thief, an obnoxious messenger, and a pair of squabbling craftsmen are all ready to chow down! Kisu tempura, sashimi, omusoba, and shuto and more are on the menu... The delicious aromas of food and drink bring everyone together in this gourmet tale of humanity!

Rating

 *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

Hello Fellow Readers, 

I loved the first volume of Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu, so it's no surprise that I also loved this one. There is just something wholesome and comforting about this manga that just lures me and makes me devour it. I love the way the food is described and I love the reactions from the characters and we get to go more in detail with this fantasy world that Semikawa has built. I think I was more excited about the world than the food, and I can't wait to read more and find out more about this world. 

Book Review: You're Embarrassing Yourself: Stories of Love, Lust, and Movies

 

Title: You're Embarrassing Yourself
Author: Desiree Akhavan
Genre: Humor; Memoir; Short Stories
Publication Date: August 13, 2024
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group

Writer, actor, and director Desiree Akhavan shares the stories she was told to shut up about—hilarious, horny, heartbreaking tales of a life in pursuit of art, love, and the metabolism of Kate Moss circa 1995.

There was a time before shame. A time of POGS, Tamagotchis and the Macarena. When birthday party invites were a given, books came with charm necklaces, and whoever was in your class was automatically a friend. Then puberty hit and everything went weird.When it comes to shame, Desiree Akhavan knows what she’s talking about—whether it’s winning the title of The Ugliest Girl at her high school, acquiescing to the nose job she was lovingly forced into by her Iranian parents, or losing her virginity to a cokehead she met in a support group for cutters. 

In You're Embarrassing Yourself, Desiree goes to the rawest places—the lifelong struggle to be at peace in one’s body, the search for home as the child of immigrants, the anxious underbelly of artistic ambition—in pursuit of wisdom, catharsis, and lolz. Equal parts funny and heartfelt, these seventeen essays chart an artist’s journey from outcast to overnight indie darling, to (somewhat) self-aware adult woman. The result is a collection that captures the pathetic lows and euphoric highs of our youth—and how to survive them

.

Rating

*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

Hello Fellow Readers,

Have you ever felt there was someone so relatable to yourself despite just being completely different than them? That's how I felt with Desiree Akhavan's book You're Embarrassing Yourself. Once I started reading this I couldn't stop, Akhavan is funny and witty, yet so honest and emotionally raw. I couldn't imagine barring myself in such an intimate way yet it seems to have been so effortlessly done here. There are so many highlights on my Kindle with this book. I felt like I was highlighting something on every page.

I also felt very connected to Akhavan (not in a stalkerish way...) even though we led completely different lives her words just resonated with me in a way that most memoirs don't. I enjoyed the open honesty in which she writes and the way she interjects humor on even heavier topics. 

Overall, one of my favorite reads so far.