The Ivory Key: A Book Review

I will read any Indian fantasy every written, and The Ivory Key was no exception! I loved this fantasy debut, especially it's focus on sibling relationships. I liked the idea of four siblings each trying to discover the Ivory Key for their own agendas and the different dynamics that caused between them. There was plenty of Indian culture in this book too, especially with the food, jungles, and weapons. 

I will say that this book was pretty predictable for me, right down to the last plot twist. And I wanted more personality variety within the siblings—they all seemed a little too similar (I would have loved a morally gray sibling, or even an evil one to increase the stakes). But overall, this is a great debut! 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, HMH Books, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

A Song Among the Silence: A Book Review

A Song Among the Silence is a wonderful debut! I enjoyed reading this book by Julie Janis. Her characters are deep and interesting and the magic system and lore is detailed and captivating. The plot expands very well through the story, and I honestly can't wait to see what happens in the next book. There are lots of twists and plenty of tension. There were some minor things that pulled me out of the story, but overall a splendid debut. Definitely read this if you like the secret identity trope, fairies, dark magic, winter settings, a morally-gray villain, and romance. It has it all! 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Julie Janis, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

When Night Breaks: A Book Review

This was a fun duology with sparkling magic, haunted mirrors, and dark secrets. I really enjoyed the first book, Where Dreams Descend, and mildly liked the sequel, When Night Breaks. I think my biggest complaint about this sequel was the pacing. The first half was entirely too slow, and it had my pet peeve of the love interests being separated for a large portion of the book. In fact, I didn't find myself being particularly impressed with this book until the ending, which is a shame. Plus, the ending left a lot of questions unanswered and loopholes that bothered me. But still, I found the prose well-written, and it had interesting characters and deep world building. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 4
Overall: 3

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Beasts of Prey: A Book Review

This book started off a little slow for me, and it took me awhile to connect with the characters. But once I did, I was transported into a vibrant jungle world with unique and terrifying beasts, secret magic, and a quest to save the world from the god of death. The world building and lore is a great strength to this book—honestly everything else pales in comparison. But I would still say the last half of the book is thrilling, with plot twists I did see coming, but somehow still managed to surprise me.. I couldn't read fast enough, and I need the second book right away! 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 3
Overall: 4

Thank you, Penguin and NetGalley, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Souls of Fire and Steel: A Book Review

What an EPIC conclusion to my favorite Viking series ever. Jill Criswell really outdid herself with this book. The plot was fast-moving and tense, and I was on the edge of my seat cheering for Lira and Reyker all the way through. I was surprised at how some things resolved quickly, and then more problems would arise. The whole plot was quite intricate and well-though-out. 

Lira and Reyker's development was also stellar in this book. They've been through so much in this series, both individually and as a couple. And honestly, their reactions to everything in this book felt so realistic. And the ending was exactly perfect for them and what they went through. 

Also, can we talk about Draki, the villain? So well written, and we find out so much more about him in this book. And I almost started to feel bad for him, even though I felt horrified with myself for feeling that way. That's how you know Jill Criswell has written a perfect villain.  

I'm sad to leave this series, but I'm very happy with this book and how it ended. I absolutely can't wait for more fantasy books from Jill Criswell. Do yourself a favor and read this series!!!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Jill Criswell, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Boy with Fire: A Book Review

This book has everything I could ever want in a YA fantasy. It has an enemies-to-lovers romance between a princess and her guard that's wonderfully slow burn and well written. It has a fascinating POV from the morally-gray king that shows his path to tyranny and madness. And most of all, it has FIRE BENDING. This book basically fulfills my wish of a fire-bending book similar to Avatar: The Last Airbender. The world building, magic system, and religion in this book are so well developed and rich. I don't think I can say enough nice things about this book. I'll definitely be reading its sequel!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Aparna Verma and NetGalley, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Hunt: A Book Review

It's always such a huge pleasure to read Alexandria Warwick's writing. Every sentence is perfection, and this book in particular had so many meaningful and poetic quotes. This series is one of the most underrated series of all time, and I sincerely hope it becomes more and more popular. Everyone needs Alexandria's writing in their life. 

Alexandria has done it again. Her books just keep getting better and better. Hunt is my favorite of the series yet. I can't say too much without spoiling, but we learn so much about Apaay and Ila in this book. They grow so much through their journeys. And the plot just keeps getting thicker with the war and unexpected discoveries. The action is balanced nicely with the character development too. Honestly, this whole book is just perfection. Except the ending was so hard to read. I need the next book. Now. Now. Now. Now. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Alexandria Warwick, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!