Quick Review: Emily's Wilde's Encyclopedia of Fairies by Heather Fawcett

Title: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Fairies
Author: Heather Fawcett
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: January 10, 2023
Publisher: Random House

A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love, in this heartwarming and enchanting fantasy.

Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world's first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party--or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, Shadow, and the Fair Folk to other people.

So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily's research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.

But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones--the most elusive of all faeries--lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she'll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all--her own heart.
 

Rating

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

Hello Fellow Readers.

I didn't know that Fantasy academia was a genre I needed to read until now. I've never thought of it but Fawcett's book may have hooked me on the genre. Well written and extremely fun, not to mention very cozy (My favorite!) I couldn't help but be enchanted by Emily. She was just so smart, brave, and a bit awkward, it was just so fun getting to know her throughout the book. I couldn't help but connect with her, as she reminded me of myself back in school. 

Wendell was a delight and the way he flustered Emily was just so cute. I don't usually like the enemies-to-lovers thing but this romance was just so cute and I was just besotted with Wendell since he was first introduced. At first, I did not think I would like the format of it being in Journal entries but the more I read the more I really liked it, it was like a bit of fresh air, so unique. 

Overall, a fun cozy read

Book Review: In Nightfall by Suzanne Young

Title: In Nightfall
Author: Suzanne Young
Genre: Horror; Supernatural; Vampires; Young Adult
Publication Date: March 28, 2023
Publisher: Random House

In the quaint town of Nightfall, Oregon, it isn't the dark you should be afraid of—it's the girls. The Lost Boys meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Treatment.

Theo and her brother, Marco, threw the biggest party of the year. And got caught. Their punishment? Leave Arizona to spend the summer with their grandmother in the rainy beachside town of Nightfall, Oregon—population 846 souls.

The small town is cute, when it’s not raining, but their grandmother is superstitious and strangely antisocial. Upon their arrival she lays out the one house rule: always be home before dark. But Theo and Marco are determined to make the most of their summer, and on their first day they meet the enigmatic Minnow and her friends. Beautiful and charismatic, the girls have a magnetic pull that Theo and her brother can't resist.

But Minnow and her friends are far from what they appear.
And that one rule? Theo quickly realizes she should have listened to her grandmother. Because after dark, something emerges in Nightfall. And it doesn’t plan to let her leave.

Rating

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

Hello Fellow Reader,

When reading a YA book I always have to read the book with a completely different view. A teenage protagonist is always going to do and act completely different than an adult and so you can't judge them like you would an adult. Now, with that being said I really enjoyed this book. Advertised as a cross between Lost Boys and Buffy the Vampire slayer, two pieces of pop culture I absolutely adored as a teen, so I really wanted to read this. I do think it leaned more toward Lost Boys than Buffy, but it gave off 80/90s horror vibes in a very modern way. 

 Theodora (Theo) was a great protagonist, even if I didn't always agree with some of the choices she made. Most of the story was a little obvious but I don't think that Young was trying to hide anything. Young's worldbuilding was great, the author was able to deliver history about Nightfall without info dumping it all on you and even making it interesting.

 I almost didn't think I would like the book since the first half had a lot of setup and was just a little slow, it's the second half of the book that really shines. Once the fun and chaos started I didn't want it to stop, I practically raced through the book in one sitting, something that I have not done in a long while. It was such an enthralling, fast-paced, joyride. I now wish I had a grandma as cool and badass as Nonna is, although Theo's dad really needs to answer some of my questions.

Overall, a dark and fun rollercoaster. 

 

Book Review: Of Roses and Rituals by S.L Prater

Title: Of  Roses and Rituals
Series: A Witch's Ever After (Book 2)
Author: S.L. Prater
Genre: Fantasy; Retelling; Romance
Publication Date: October 24, 2022

"Before the summer ends, I’m going to ask you to marry me,” the beast said. “And you won’t say no …"

Fiona is ready to spend her holiday having fun, but her father has other plans. Worried that his witch daughter has become too reckless after suffering a loss, he bargains her off to serve as assistant to Dr. Elias Van Doorn.

Cursed by a demon to take on the form of a beast, the famous doctor works in seclusion. Fiona should be frightened by his horns and his size. She shouldn’t find his aggravation so delightful or the swish of his tail so captivating or his arrogant mouth so alluring. An irresistible bond begins to form between them, but as she surrenders to her primal desire, she resists giving up her heart. Grief, it seems, is the greater curse.

In just one summer can the clever beast tame this beauty and claim his fated mate?

Rating

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

Hello Fellow Readers,

This was such a fun read! Considering how much I loved the first book in Prater's A Witch's Ever After series, I knew I immediately wanted to read it. I will admit I've had the book for a while but personal reasons got in the way, but now that I finally have some time, I drove in head first. This can be read as a standalone but I absolutely recommend you read the first book. Fiona is such a free spirit, but logical as well plus a scientist and a witch. That is such an interesting combination. Anyway, in case the cover doesn't give it away this is a fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and oh what a beast Elias is. Described as a large demon-like tall, dark, and handsome figure I knew right away I was going to like him. Fiona and Elias's chemistry was off the charts. Elias's no-nonsense demeanor and Fiona's reckless nature were a match made in heaven.

This is a spicy book, and something I didn't realize when I started to read it but Of Roses and Rituals monster romance so that just made the spiciness go off the charts. I will say that I did see who the villain was right away, and the ending did wrap up very quickly but I still enjoyed it and cannot wait to see what the third book is going to be. 

Overall, a very fun sequel. 

 

#CurrentlyReading March 2023

  Hello Fellow Readers!

So what are you reading right now? I hope that what I am reading is also good. So I have a couple of books I am reading right now, some are requests, and some are just from February that I still need to finish. Either way, let me know what you think. 

When in doubt, go to the library…and solve the murder mystery!

Greta Plank, library director in the small, lakeside town of Larkspur, Wisconsin, prefers her rose-tinted glasses extra rosy, thank you very much. It’s how she copes with the hard stuff in life…like her sister’s death and her ex-boyfriend’s deception. But Greta’s cheery resolve takes a hit when she stumbles upon a dead body on her way home from work. What she assumes is a terrible accident Greta soon learns is something more sinister, and to make matters worse, a new-to-town detective cites her as not only his primary source for the case, but his top suspect.

To clear her name and save her reputation, Greta decides to do some off-the-books clue cataloging of her own. After all, asking questions is what she does best. With the help of her fellow librarians and her lawyer mom, Greta flips through the pages of the murder, uncovering details about Larkspur’s real estate market and the deceased’s rare book collection as she tries to understand why anyone would have authored his death.

With friends and neighbors stacking up as both victims and suspects, Greta must cross reference the facts and put a hold on her idyllic worldview if she wants to get the full story without paying the fine of her life.

In an Old West overrun by monsters, a stoic gunslinger must embark on a dangerous quest to save her friends and stop a supernatural war.

Sharpshooter Melinda West, 29, has encountered more than her share of supernatural creatures after a monster infection killed her mother. Now, Melinda and her charismatic partner, Lance, offer their exterminating services to desperate towns, fighting everything from giant flying scorpions to psychic bugs. But when they accidentally release a demon, they must track a dangerous outlaw across treacherous lands and battle a menagerie of creatures—all before an army of soul-devouring monsters descend on Earth. 

The Witcher meets Bonnie and Clyde in a re-imagined Old West full of diverse characters, desolate landscapes, and fast-paced adventure.

In the quaint town of Nightfall, Oregon, it isn't the dark you should be afraid of—it's the girls. The Lost Boys meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Treatment.

Theo and her brother, Marco, threw the biggest party of the year. And got caught. Their punishment? Leave Arizona to spend the summer with their grandmother in the rainy beachside town of Nightfall, Oregon—population 846 souls.

The small town is cute, when it’s not raining, but their grandmother is superstitious and strangely antisocial. Upon their arrival she lays out the one house rule: always be home before dark. But Theo and Marco are determined to make the most of their summer, and on their first day they meet the enigmatic Minnow and her friends. Beautiful and charismatic, the girls have a magnetic pull that Theo and her brother can't resist.

But Minnow and her friends are far from what they appear.
And that one rule? Theo quickly realizes she should have listened to her grandmother. Because after dark, something emerges in Nightfall. And it doesn’t plan to let her leave.

A brutal murder. A determined duchess. Bow Street won't know what hit them.

A murdered opera singer. A duke drenched in her blood. For Bow Street Officer Hugh Marsden, the brutal killing is a straightforward case. Ever since his exile from polite society, the chance to arrest a high and mighty peer of the realm has never presented itself. Hugh won’t snub the opportunity now.

But Audrey Sinclair, the Duchess of Fournier, is certain her husband is wrongly accused, and she’s determined to prove it to the arrogant Bow Street officer, even if she must employ her most peculiar ability—or perhaps curse—to guide her investigation. After all, a duchess can do as she pleases.

Exasperated with the meddling duchess, Hugh is convinced she is protecting her own secrets, and the duke’s. But when Audrey’s discoveries persuade him to believe the true killer is still at large, he has no choice but to join her in the hunt—if only to keep her from becoming the next victim.Murder at the Seven Dials is the first book in a new Regency mystery series. Perfect for fans of Anna Lee Huber’s Lady Darby series and Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell books.

Book Review: Sound of Light by Amanda Bridgeman

Title: Sound of Light: A Marvel: School of X Novel
Author: Amanda Bridgeman
Genre: Fantasy; Super  Hero
Publication Date: November 1st, 2022
Publisher: Aconyte

Dazzler, rock ‘n’ roll, and the children of Cyclops and Magneto launch into space and beyond in this electrifying trans-dimensional adventure from Marvel’s School of X

When rock star Dazzler walked out on S.H.I.E.L.D., she hoped she’d seen the last of the clandestine organization. But when a rogue agent drops in after a sold-out gig, she must decide whether to work with them again or stick to her solo career. The agent links Mutant Growth Hormone – a dangerous biochemical that wildly enhances mutant powers – with the disappearance of Magneto and Cyclops. Reluctantly, Dazzler takes the case and unfolds a mystery greater than she anticipated. In need of a new team, she recruits the extraordinary mutants Emma Frost, Polaris, and Rachel Grey on a mission to foil a plot to remove mutant kind forever, which blasts them from Earth into a whole new dimension.

Rating:

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


Hello Fellow Readers,

I always thought that Dazzler was very underutilized in the X-men comics, and although I've lost touch with the comic world I was so happy to see a book dedicated to our rock princess. Even if you aren't a big fan of Marvel, in particular X-men, that doesn't mean you can't read this. Bridgemand does an amazing job of not only filling you in on who Dazzler is but also on important events from the comics. If you an X-men fan a lot of big-name players make appearances, some even team up with Dazzler. I will say that this book shouldn't be your introduction to the marvel universe, as you do need to have some familiarity, even with Bridgeman filling in the gaps, for each character to really shine. As the X-men's world is just too vast and convoluted. One of the cons of this book was characterization problems, not with Dazzler,m as I felt she was pretty spot on, but definitely with some of the other side characters. 

Overall, a must-read for any marvel fan. 

So Cute! What Cats Dream About by Sophie Taylor

Title: What Cats Dream About
Author: Sophie Taylor
Illustrator: Maria Pena
Genre: Art; Cats; Children; Poetry
Publication Date: November 8, 2022

What Cats Dream About is an unforgettable read-aloud account of what our furry feline friends get up to when they close their eyes.

Marvelously silly and gloriously entertaining! Step into the magical world of kitty slumber where dancing forests, lively rainbows, fantastical creatures, and heroic cat quests are purr-fectly normal. With beautiful spellbinding illustrations and a satisfying rhythmic rhyme, this is a book that families will love reading over and over. Especially before bedtime.

The real reason cats dream isn't to hunt imaginary mice, oh no.
They dream to travel to different worlds.
To speak their native language,
and sometimes, put on a show...

Rating

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

Hello Fellow Readers,

Cat lovers gather around because this is the book for you. What Cats Dream About is perfect for cat lovers of all ages! I have two cats, and my little one screams 'EEEE' (it's supposed to be kitty) when he sees a cat, loved it as well. The artwork is so cute, bright, and entertaining. Some of the art would be perfect to have in the little ones' room. The story is very easy to read, although definitely a little harder than preschool but fun enough for a parent or guardian to read to their little one. This would be perfect as a little board book to add to a child's shelf. 

While definitely marketed towards children, it shouldn't stop a cat lover of any age from picking it up. 

Overall a fun read for any cat lover. 

Anthology Review: Never Too Old to Save the World

Title: Never Too Old to Save the World
Editor: Alana Joli Abbott; Addie J. King
Genre: Anthology; Fantasy; Short Stories 
Publication Date: February 7th, 2023
Publisher: Outland Entertainment

Once every generation there is a Chosen One, who will stand between humanity and darkness.

But why is the Chosen One so often a teenager? Why do only children get swept through portals to save the fantastic world on the other side? Whose idea was it to put the fate of the world in the hands of someone without a fully developed prefrontal cortex?

In Never Too Old to Save the World, nineteen authors explore what would happen if the Chosen One were called midlife. What would happen if the Chosen One were:

a soccer mom
a cat lady
a nosy grandmother
a social worker
a retiree
an aging swordmaster?

The Chosen One could be anyone— because when the universe calls, the real question is whether the hero will take up the mantle and answer their midlife calling. Sometimes the world needs a hero who's already been in the thick of chaos and survived. In those cases, age does matter.

Rating

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

Hello Fellow Readers,

Oh boy,m did I enjoy this book! Are you tired of teenage heroines? Why do the underage protagonists get to have all the fun? Do you like the chosen one trope but are tired of all the same old stories getting played out? Then, this book is for you. As a woman who most people think is past her prime it's nice to read a story with a protagonist that I could relate to that isn't a second chance romance. Don't get me wrong I love them but women past the age of 30 are able to do amazing things. 

In most anthologies, there is always a couple of stories that miss their mark but in Never too Old to Save the World I enjoyed every single one. There were times I wished that a particular story would have kept going or that I hope would turn into a series, but that's one of the downfalls of reading short story anthologies. Each writer was able to put their own unique twist on the chosen one trope and no two stories felt the same, it was a breath of fresh air each time. I was so sad when I got to the last story because that meant that the book was going to end. Here's me holding out hope for a second anthology soon.

Overall, I absolutely enjoyed this book. 

Book Review: The Naughty or Nice Clause by Kate Callaghan

Title: The Naughty or Nice Clause
Author: Kate Callaghan
Genre: Holiday; Romance
Publisher: Independent Book Publishers Association
Publication Date: November 8th, 2022

Being Naughty Has Never Been So Nice!

When Lyla’s father retired as CEO of the toy company which has been in their family for generations, she was meant to receive his shares. Instead, she discovers the company is bankrupt and her father has given her shares to Mason Klaus, an investor known in the corporate world for his cold and callous nature. Much to Lyla’s frustration, her only option is to run the company with him, despite their evident loathing for one another.

When Mason cancels the annual Christmas party, Lyla throws it anyway – only for the event of the season to result in a terrible fire. With the offices and Lyla’s credibility ruined, Mason offers her a deal: he’ll forget her part in the disaster, but she must join his family for the twelve days of their Christmas holidays.

Taken to a fantastical winter wonderland, Lyla hopes that she might discover some of the secrets Mr Klaus is hiding, and maybe even a way to get her company back. However, when Mason introduces her to the secret village as his fiancée, she is horrified to realize she has no choice but to go along with the pretense – because the cost of bringing an outsider to their magical land is far too high.

Can Lyla resist the devilishly handsome Mr Klaus and the enchanting village to win back her company, or will she give in to temptation?

Rating

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

Hello Fellow Readers,

Who says you can't read a Christmas book in February? Why must it only be during the holidays? Anyway, I did intend to read this during the holidays but life got in the way. My reading time has been significantly reduced, which is how it goes when you have a little one who runs around all day. Anyway, who's interested in Enemies to lovers with a dash of fake dating? If you raised your hand then Callaghan's The Naughty or Nice Clause is for you. 

First off, the story is pretty original which for me is hard to come by and the idea itself is right up my alley. I mean I am a sucker for fake dating tropes, which is what originally lured me to this book. Mason Klaus seems like your typical ruthless businessman, and he is with a secret about his family. Secondly, I loved the winter wonderland. It's as Fantastical as the synopsis.

My third point is where the story fell off for me. I just couldn't get behind Lyla and Mason's romance. The fiery chemistry just was not there. It may be that I just couldn't connect with either Lyla or Mason, which makes me not really care about their romance. 

Overall, a great original idea with a flat romance. 

 

Wanna be a Plant Mom? Beginner’s Houseplant Garden

 

Title: Beginner’s Houseplant Garden

Author: Jade Murray

Genre: Nonfiction

Publication Date: January 17, 2023

Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing

User-friendly and highly accessible, this is a practical and inspiring guide to indoor gardening for complete beginners by award-winning and self-taught plant enthusiast Jade Murray. Here, you will find invaluable tips and advice for choosing, caring for, and propagating the top 40 easiest and most common houseplants. From air-purifying plants for beginners like ferns and fiddle leaf figs to heat-resistant succulents and cacti, discover everything you need to know on where to position them and how to display them, tips on soil mix, watering, feeding, and troubleshooting, and more! Having limited space is no barrier to indoor gardening – many of these indoor houseplants are perfect for small homes and space-saving ideas abound, whether hanging in a basket, bunched on a shelf, on a windowsill, or grouped on a ladder. Filled with stunning photography and tons of expert tips and tricks, Beginner’s Houseplant Garden is a complete, fool-proof guide by winner of the 2021 ‘My Chelsea Garden’ Judges' Choice Gold Medal Award, Jade Murray, that shows you how to create your own indoor garden – even if space is tight and you have no prior experience of plants at all.

Rating

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

Hello Fellow Reader,

Besides being a book lover I'm also a plant lower. I don't have a whole hoard of them but I have enough that you know I'm a lover. Being a plant mom means that sometimes things go wrong and you end up losing a plant. I hate when this happens. I always feel awful after a plant dies, like I've let it down. So, when I saw Murray's Book I knew I needed to read it. The book is very informational and concise. Murray doesn't overload you with information, but rather gives you everything in an easy-to-read format I have a lot of the pants mentioned, so this was very helpful and a great read. If your person who wants to start tending to plants, but don't know where to start then this book is for you.

Quick Review: Make magic in your kitchen! Kitchen Witchcraft for Beginners by Dawn Aurora Hunt

Title: Kitchen Witchcraft for Beginners
Author: Dawn Aurora Hunt
Genre: Food and Drink; Witches
Publication Date: September 13th, 2022
Publisher: Callisto Media, Rockridge Press

Transform your kitchen into a transcendent space

The kitchen can be a very powerful place—and that’s precisely what makes it ideal for practicing witchcraft. This beginner’s guide shows you how to channel your intention and energy into delicious dishes and effective elixirs that can conjure love, health, and so much more.

*Uncover your inner witch—Learn what it means to be a witch, practice the craft, and unearth the sacred in the everyday.
*Prep your kitchen—Get ready to become a kitchen witch as you learn how to prepare the space for spellwork and explore the supplies you’ll want to have on hand for magical success.
* Magical dishes—Dive into a range of delectable recipes and potent rituals all designed to nurture relationships, build community, and feed the soul.

Nourish your spirit as you learn to whip up some kitchen magic with this leading witch cookbook

Rating

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

Hello Fellow Readers, 

This was such a fantastic and informative book! I love how Hunt took the time to explain exactly what being a kitchen witch is and where to start. Hunt not only gives advice on creating your own magical space such as altars but also what you would need in terms of cookware, pantry items, and of course herbs.

Hunt gives you everything you need in one easy-to-read book, and definitely made this with the intention of teaching and making magic in the kitchen.