Category: adult fantasy

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Book Review: Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard

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Title: Realm Breaker

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Publisher: Orion

Length: 563 pages

Synopsis: A strange darkness is growing in the Ward. Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea. Fate knocks on her door, in the form of a mythical immortal and a lethal assassin, who tell Corayne that she is the last of an ancient lineage – with the power to save the world from destruction. Because a man who would burn kingdoms to the ground is raising an army unlike any seen before, bent on uprooting the foundations of the world. With poison in his heart and a stolen sword in his hand, he’ll break the realm itself to claim it. And only Corayne can stop him.

Ok, I’m starting this review literally minutes after I’ve just finished the book and all I have to say is AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!I’ve really struggled getting into fantasy over the last couple of years, with a few exceptions, but with Realm Breaker I think I may have found a new all time favourite series. Just a quick warning there will be spoilers in this review.I loved everything about this book. Literally everything. I can’t think of one single thing I didn’t enjoy. I mean what’s not to love? It got great characters, epic action, brilliant world building and some page-turning plot twists. Ok lets start with the characters, I love them all. They all own my heart, yes even Erida. Read the book and you’ll know why I’m saying that! The story is told through five perspectives and each one was just as enjoyable as the other. Victoria has written such strong characters, each one so different, that I slowly grew to love them all. Seriously. Even the supporting characters that didn’t get a perspective, I still really loved. They were just all full of personality and they had such great character development. I really mean it, the seven (even Erida) have a place in my heart.I also loved how the characters relationship developed. The pacing of it was really well done. You can feel them slowly becoming a team whilst still being unsure of each other at times and it’s fantastic to read, Victoria strikes the balance really well. And I lived for the banter, especially between Dom and Sorasa. I’m also really excited to see how the friendship will deepen in book two. Ugh, I just love them. Now, this is a SUPER SPOILER, but I kinda ship Erida and Taristan. I know I shouldn’t because they want to hurt my loves, but I do. I know they’re only married to help each other but I can sort of feel a connection building or maybe its Victoria tricking me, either way I’m excited for more. I feel likes there could be more relationships between some of the seven, and I’ve got my ideas of who but I’ll keep them to myself and just be taken along for the ride. And yes, I need Charlon and Garion to reunite and I need that queer love story. That’s all I have to say.I loved the world Victoria has created. It feels expansive but not overwhelming. It’s called ‘Allward’ and it feels like a fresh universe. I really liked how the characters had connections to the some of places and it just made it feel real to me. The characters went to many different places and each place was different and I never got confused. The world is written beautifully. I loved looking at the map to see where the characters were (sad I know but true). It feels cohesive and I’m looking forward to it being explored more in book two. There’s some magic to this book that I really love. The love the whole idea of Spindles and other realms, it’s so exciting (and scary) to see how this will expand in book two. It’s a unique magical world with wizards, elders, spindleblood and I think Victoria has crafted it really well. Expertly well. It’s my favourite fantasy setting for a long time. I think this is a really well paced book in every sense. It’s Like I before with the character development and relationships, its also applies to the world building and magic. There’s so much more it explore. It just felt exciting to read, even when the characters were just travelling I was excited. It full of action, really well written action. It was so cinematic, I could see it so clearly in my head I loved it. It was full of twists and turns, some of them making my jaw hit the floor. I didn’t see them coming and I’m still shocked now. And don’t talk to me about that last page!! How could you end it like that Victoria!! I’m not sure if you could tell but I loved this book. LOVED IT! It’s one of those books that I took my time reading (even though I wanted to devour it) because I was just loving every page and I didn’t want it to end and I know I was going to miss this world and these characters when I was done! So I’m going to need fan art, special editions, merchandise and a tv series (you know its a good idea). I can’t wait to collect it all. I need book two. I need it now. But I guess I’ll just have to wait…Thank you so much to Orion for my copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out May 4th.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#fantasy, adult fantasy, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, fiction, review, Uncategorised, ya

Book Review: Ariadne by Jennifer Saint

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Title: Ariadne

Author: Jennifer Saint

Publisher: Headline

Length: 386 pages

Also the Proof Cover is beautiful and so is the finished copy so it’s a beautiful addition to your shelves.

Synopsis: As Princesses of Crete and daughters of the fearsome King Minos, Ariadne and her sister Phaedra grow up hearing the terrible bellows of the Minotaur baying for blood from the Labryinth beneath the palace. When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives in Crete as an offering to the beast, Ariadne falls in love with him. But helping Theseus defeat the monster means betraying her family. Ariadne has heard too many tales of women being punished for the acts of men – she is determined to set her own fate. But will her decision to help Theseus ensure her happy ending? Or will she find herself sacrificed for her lover’s ambition?

There is so much to love about Ariadne from the characters, the story and the beautiful writing. If you’re a fan of Greek Mythology retelling or you know just fantastic books, you’ll love Ariadne.

It usually takes me a while to get into books but as soon as I started reading Ariadne I was totally into the story within the first few pages. It’s immediately captivating as you learn about the characters and this beautiful world. This really is a testament to Jennifer’s writing.

Ariadne is such a wonderful character, who I immediately warmed to and connected with. Also, just sot clarify that I knew nothing of Ariadne’s story before so you don’t need to know, you’ll still enjoy this book. She just feels a very real character. Phaedra is also a wonderful character. And what I really loved about this book is that it really celebrates womanhood and sisterhood. The sisters are surrounded by powerful men and Gods, but its the sisters that power the story, it the sister that the readers will love.

One of my favourite things about this book is Jennifers beautiful writing. It’s so lyrical and stunning. The writing totally captures you and transports you to Ancient Greece. Jennifer weaves a compelling story of love, betrayal (which had me jaw hitting the floor) and taking your destiny into your own hands. As I’m sure you can tell I loved the book and the writing.

Something I really enjoyed while reading this book is that when Ariadne meets different characters in this book, they tell her a story and as the reader you get a story within the story and I just absolutely loved it.

Ariadne is a beautiful read that I couldn’t put down but didn’t want to end. Definitely don’t miss this beautiful book. I’ll look forward to reading whatever Jennifer writes next.

Thanks to Caitlin at Headline for my copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out April 29th.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#fantasy, #fiction, #literature, adult fantasy, author, blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, fiction, review, Uncategorised, ya

ARC Book Review: Skyward Inn by Aliya Whiteley

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Title: Skyward Inn

Author: Aliya Whiteley

Length: 251 pages

Publisher: Rebellion

Synopsis: Skyward Inn, within the high wall of Western Protectorate, is a place of safety, where people come together to tell stories of the mire before the war with Qita. But safety from what? Qita surrendered without complaint when Earth invaded; Inkeepers Jen and Isley, veterans from either side, have regrets but few scars. Their peace is disturbed when a visitor know to Isley comes to the Inn asking for help, bringing reminders of an unnerving past and triggering an uncertain future. Did humanity really win the war?

I can honestly say I’ve never read anything like this book before. It was one of those books that when I finished reading it, it took me a while to decide how to feel about it. I just had to sit and think about it. But I’ve come to the conclusion that I loved it.

Skyward Inn is so other worldly, its got another planet, a kissing gate and another species. And the author manages to pack in a lot of details about this everything to do with this because the book is only 251 pages. So imaginative, especially the other species. I loved how the author connected Western Protectorate and Qita, especially when you realise how the book ends. I also loved what Aliya did with the illness that people think is spreading on Western Protectorate, and then you see it from the Qitan perspective. It almost felt ethereal by the end.

With this book being so other worldly, it is innately human. At the centre of this book its a relationship between a mother and son. Their relationship is so intricate and fragile and it’s fantastic to read. It shows that the two characters are flawed and how it affects there nonexistent relationship and I just found it to be really realistic.

My favourite section of Skyward Inn, is when Fosse arrives on the planet Qita and he goes on a journey with his Qitan ‘tour guide’. I felt a real connection between the two and its also where we see Fosse become the character I loved. But there’s a part of the journey where Fosse has to make a decision as it comes to an end and I have to say i found it really emotional. I didn’t know what he was going to do or I didn’t know what I wanted him to do. This section was perfectly written. It was subtle but really emotive. I loved it.

At the heart of this novel is Fosse, who is a character I don’t think I’ll ever forget. He’s a character you’re not sure if you’ll like at first, but you seem grow and change and you really grow to care for him. He became so gentle. In fact the whole novel has a gentleness to it. He is just so well written and Aliya has created a character with real depth.

I will say I had no idea where this book was going. It became such a character driven story that I found the ending to quite emotional. Some things happen (no spoilers) and because of the connection between characters it felt so personal. As I said before its like nothing I’ve read before and I’m so glad I’ve read it.

I would definitely recommend this book. It’s a book that’ll make you think, make you care for the characters and will keep you intrigued till the very last page. The more I think about this book, the more I love it. I know I’ll definitely be rereading it. Please read this book so I can have someone to talk to about it. It’s out March 16th.

Thanks to Rebellion Publishing for gifting me with a copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#fantasy, #fiction, #literature, adult fantasy, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, review, thriller, Uncategorised, ya

Book Review: The Coven by Lizzie Fry

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Title: The Coven

Author: Lizzie Fry

Publisher: Sphere Books

Length: 448 pages

Synopsis: Imagine a world in which witchcraft is real. In which mothers hand down power to their daughters, power that is used harmlessly and peacefully. Then imagine that the US President is a populist demagogue who decides that all witched must be imprisoned for their own safety, as well as the safety of those around them – creating a world in which to be female is one step away from being a criminal. As women across the world are rounded up, one young woman discovers a power she did not know she had. It’s a dangerous force and it puts her top of the list in a global witch hunt. But she – and the woman around her – won’t give in easily. Not while all of the women’s power is under threat.

A book about witches? Isn’t that all you need to know? Aren’t you going to pick it up right now? Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

The Coven is intriguing right from the start, seriously from the first page. You start off with so much tension, questioning what’s happening and it immediately makes you invested in the story. Lets be honest, you stay intrigued until the very last page.

We’ve all read books about witches before, but I thought this book was a fresh take on the subject and it was really well done. It was detailed, it was intricate. The witchcraft just felt epic and slightly dangerous. I also really loved the message of The Coven, its a look at the political climate how women are treated by society and it gives the book real depth.

This book is filled with brilliant characters. I loved the connections that the four main characters had, I loved how they all grew throughout the book. It was all really organic and believable. Then I say, without any spoilers, that something happened that broke my heart. There was a romance that I really enjoyed, and I desperately hoped it was going to happen. There was just so much to enjoy.

The story is my favourite part of the book. It’s so well paced and you can feel the story building and gaining momentum. It makes you want to get to the end so you know what happens. It’s full of twists and turn and I just had no idea where the story was going and I absolutely loved it. It’s so layered, the story and the characters keep growing as you read. It’s makes it a real page turner. And it’s always great when the ending doesn’t disappoint.

I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s a thrilling story, filled with brilliant characters that you won’t want to put down. I wish this was the start of a series! I want more.

Thank you so much to Sphere Books for gifting me with a copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out February 25th.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#fantasy, adult fantasy, author, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, gay, queer, review, Uncategorised, ya, young adult

Book Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E.Schwab

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Title: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Author: V.E Schwab

Length: 541 pages

Publisher: Titan Books

Synopsis: France, 1714. A desperate woman makes a desperate deal in the dark – a bargain to live forever but be remembered by none. So begins the invisible life of Addie LaRue, shadow muse to artists throughout history, forgotten friend, confidante and lover, slipping away in the morning light. Addie passes through lives, desperate only to leave a trace of herself. Until the day she walks back into a small bookshop in Manhattan and meets Henry, who remembers her. After 300 years Addie’s life is restarting, but the devil never plays fair. As Henry and Addie’s lives start to intertwine, they must face the consequences of the decisions they’ve made and the prices to be paid.

Yes, I jumped on the hype train and preordered this book. And let me tell you I’m a very happy passenger (get it? Because I’m on the hype train!) because I absolutely love this book.

This is my first V.E.Schwab book (yes I know, it’s bad but the A Darker Shade of Magic series is on my tbr don’t worry) but I was surprised at how much I loved V.E Schwabs writing. It was absolutely beautiful. It was really comforting in a way, yet there were these really profound moments that I absolutely loved. It was beautiful I had to have a little cry. Pretty early on in the book. The whole book is written beautifully. It’s emotional, atmospheric and romantic.

It was such an immersive plot. It was the kind of book that I didn’t want to put down. In fact I didn’t put it down. It’s a dual plot timeline which is handled so beautifully by Schwab. I just absolutely loved how detailed it was. There were so many things in the plot that I wouldn’t have thought of (that’s why I’m not an author). There was also twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. It really surprised me and it gave the story some real excitement. And then there was another twist, that I feel like some people might have seen coming, but I obviously didn’t. This is very vague I know, but I refuse to ruin these surprises for you. The second twist also broke my heart.

Let’s talk about the ending shall we? Yes it broke my heart. I’d seen some people say that the ending disappointed them a bit, but I absolutely loved it. It really made me cry. I was just sitting in bed crying at 8pm on Wednesday. I had to stop reading and just sit and take it all in. You know it’s a good book when this happens. It was just so emotional. So emotional. And I’ll tell you why it’s emotional.

It’s because you absolutely fall in love with Addie. You really do. You see her in Paris in the 1700s just as she’s made the deal with the God coming to terms with everyone, and you see in her in 2014 as she’s living in New York and is fully adept to her situation. She’s just so strong and vulnerable. She’s funny. Honestly, you’ll just love her. But Addie isn’t the only great character, there’s also Luc. Even though he’s the ‘bad guy’ he definitely adds something to the book. And of course there’s Henry. My Henry. I felt for him, I loved him. There’s a sadness and loneliness to him that I adored.

The romance is so beautiful. It really is. It just filled my heart with so much joy. It’s also what makes the ending even more heartbreaking (but it definitely finishes strong). I just wanted Addie and Henry to live happily together forever. Is that too much to ask? There’s also a kind of but not really love triangle. You really believe the connection Schwab has crafted between them all. It definitely didn’t make me mad. And it also made the ending so powerful. You’ll know what I mean if you’ve read it.

Incase you couldn’t tell I loved this book. It’ll be in my top ten for the year. I can’t recommend it to you enough. Now If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to reread this book.

Until the next review

JTH

#fantasy, adult fantasy, author, blog, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, review, ya

Book Review: ‘Crescent City, House of Blood and Earth’ by Sarah J Mass.

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Title: Crescent City

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Length: 799 pages

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Synopsis: Bryce Quinlan used to light up Crescent City, partying all night in the clubs where the strict classes of angels, shifter, human and Fae merge into a sea of beautiful bodies. And then a demon murdered her closest friends. Two years later, when the supposed killer is behind bars but the crimes start up again, the city’s leaders command Bryce to help investigate. They assign an enslaved fallen angel, Hunt Athalar, to make sure she does. But as Bryce fights to uncover the truth – and resist her attraction to the brooding angel who shadows her every step – she finds herself following a trail that leads deep into her own dark past.

This is one of the few books that I’ve read this year that I’ve actually bought (the rest have been arcs) but as soon as it showed up in my postbox I knew I had to start it right away.

Now I will say it took me a while to get into it. There was a lot of world building in this book, which I know is what we normally want, but this was extreme. I felt at times we would find out what Bryces next door neighbour had for dinner (of course I joke) It definitely needed the world building, but it definitely made it a little dense at times. I mean it was nearly 800 pages! That’s long.

However once I was into I got into the story a bit more, I really started to enjoy it. It was a good story, and it was full of twists and turns (I mean, it’s Sara J Mass, what did I expect?) and I didn’t see any of them coming. At one point it left the story on such a cliffhanger, you know the one I’m talking about, with Hunt. Yes THAT bit. It’s was literally all I could think about when I was at work.

It’s full of great characters. Bryce was a fantastic main character to follow. She had some real depth and Maas dealt with her grief beautifully. Of course, she was kick-arse. Did we really expect anything else? There was Danika and Connor who I definitely wanted to get to know more but were gone to soon. RIP. I liked Hunt, the trouble is we know the arc of his character. He starts of horrible but is actually kinda nice, so he was a bit predictable but towards the end I definitely liked him.

The romance. We all knew it was coming didn’t we? What I will say about it is that it was a slow burn. A good slow burn. Sarah J. Mass writes a damn good slow burn romance and I’m here for it. And i thought it was realistic, especially for enemies to lovers. They had fantastic chemistry. Can we talk about the sexual chemistry was out of this world. Some of those scenes toward the end! I’m looking forward to this being explored more.

I would recommend this. Of course I would, it was a fantastic urban fantasy and I’m looking forward to the next one. I’m excited for the characters to be explored more. The romance, the story and the world. I’ll definitely be preordering it.

It’s out now.

Until the next review

JTH