Category: Fantasy

Categories
Adventure Fantasy Romance

The Swan’s Daughters

By Roshani Chokshi. Pub Date 1/6/26

Rating: 5 stars. Got me into some trouble because I could not put it down!

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdom’s heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally.

Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris’s parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Amidst glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream trees and pearl crocodiles, tea time on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him…or lust for power.

Until he meets Demelza.

As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.

While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life, but find the courage to chase a life worth living.”

REVIEW

This book got me into trouble. It’s terribly romantic and horribly dreamy and a tale that is dreadfully well-written.

I was, and remain, OBSESSED.

From the moment I started The Swan’s Daughter, it sucked me in like the quicksand I thought I would encounter far more than I have to date in my adulthood. The settings themselves were described like poetry, all pearlescent and windswept and glossy. The varied characters reflected their homelands so well, from the icy Aatos mountains, across the Wyldes, through the Vale, and to the depths of the Famishings. What a glorious story.

And the romance! Slow burn, well rounded characters, and that moment of realization–exquisite.

I did not realize how much I needed a break from dark fantasy, but my eyes devoured this book from the first page and enjoyed every last delicious crumb.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Adventure Fantasy Horror Mystery Supernatural Survival

HOUSE OF THE BEAST

By Michelle Wong. NOW AVAILABLE.

Narrated by Jeanne Syquia

Rating 4*

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

Born out of wedlock and shunned by society, Alma learned to make her peace with solitude, so long as she had her mother by her side. When her mother becomes gravely ill, Alma discovers a clue about her estranged father and writes a message begging for help. Little does she know that she is a bastard of House Avera, one of the four noble families that serve the gods and are imbued with their powers—and her father is a vessel of the Dread Beast, the most frightening god of all, a harbinger of death.

In a desperate exchange for her mother’s medicine, Alma agrees to sacrifice her left arm to the Beast in a ceremony that will bind her forever to the House and its deity. Regardless, her mother soon passes, leaving Alma trapped inside the Avera’s grand estate, despised by her relatives and nothing but a pawn in her father’s schemes.

Now vengeance is the only thing that keeps Alma going. That, and the strange connection she has with her god—a monster who is constantly by her side, an eldritch being taking the form of a beautiful prince with starlit hair that only she can see. He tells Alma that she has been chosen to bring change upon their world, and with his help, Alma plots a perilous journey to destroy the House that stole everything from her.

A gripping coming-of-age fantasy novel marked by divine rituals, intense combat, and twisted romance, House of the Beast is a tale of revenge, resilience, and the power of love to see us through the darkness.

REVIEW

This was an interesting fantasy epic about an underestimated girl who is deeply connected to a god and driven by vengeance.

Alma had a terrible life after her mother died. She was despised by her entore family and used bybher father for his own devices hidden within a grand and altruistic outward agenda.

There are some slight romantic leanings, but this story is mostly about seeking justice and protecting those who cannot protect themselves, even if you are looked down at by the very people who ultimately depend on you to succeed. It had been awhile since I had read something where thr romance wasn’t high on the list and I actually did enjoy it.

Both the audiobook and the book were good, and I enjoyed the narrator.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for an advanced Audiobook & ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Categories
After Dark Fantasy Spicy🌶️ Survival

PSYCHO SHIFTERS

BY Jasmine Mas. Now Available from Harlequin Trade Publishing!

Rating 4*

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

These alpha males think they own me.
After growing up with nothing, I’ve finally found my path to freedom: I’m a shifter, a warrior who transforms into a monster.
All I have to do is survive bootcamp.

I didn’t count on my three 6’5 roommates-slash-trainers. Covered in tattoos, jeweled, and horned, these are like no men I’ve ever dealt with before.

They don’t think I belong.
They don’t think I can fight.
They don’t think I’m strong enough for war.
They don’t think I can shift.
I’m about to prove them wrong.

Jax, Ascher, and Cobra are going to be devastated when they discover my truth…just wait until they see my shifted form.

REVIEW

This reverse harem fantasy is wild. I really liked this book. The world is massive, with the first three books covering three different realms.

But we’re here to talk about the first book, even though I immediately moved on to the 2nd and 3rd. There is a lot of spice (not with the MFC) and tension. It’s 100% the kind of read you want if you’re looking for something that is a guilty pleasure. It’s the reality TV of reverse harem fantasy romance. We don’t get the full characterization of any of the characters. You like them, but not really love them. It’s all lust, nothing deep, but again: guilty pleasure. If you want some hot quick trashy fantasy, read this. Again, I immediately read the rest of the series as it was available on KU, so this did scratch an itch for me. It’s a compliment. However, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook. It’s PACKED with excellent voice talent reading you to filth.It honestly MADE the first book for me and gave me a deeper appreciation for the rest of the series. Honestly, without the audiobook setting the scene for me, I would have struggled with this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Fantasy Graphic Novels Horror

MURDER KINGDOM

A Graphic Novel by Fred Van Lente, Chris Panda, and Becca Carey. Pub Date 05-20-25

Story Rating: 4*

Art Rating: 4*

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

Tanith and her best friend are trapped overnight in a fantasy-themed amusement park where someone is killing the employees in the gruesome fashion of the original fairy tales! They have to unravel the mystery before they become the next victims and live never ever after…

Once upon a time, in a strange land called Florida, a masked psycho starts murdering cast members of the Storybook Kingdom theme park in ways identical to the gory original Grimms’ Fairy Tales. Princess-turned-detective Tanith is the only person who can unmask the killer before she and her friends are all Dying Unhappily Never After!

THOUGHTS

This was a tight graphic novel. It was basically serial killer at a theme park, fairytale meets slasher story. The art was great and gave some really great moments where the fairytale cross over was super apparent and gave dark, early Grimm Brothers vibes. I enjoyed it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Adventure Fantasy Romance Spicy🌶️ Survival

A SCAR IN THE BONE

By Sophie Jordan, Pub Date 10-14-2025

Rating:

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“It’s been a year since Tamsyn transformed. From royal whipping girl in the palace of Penterra to the bride of Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands. From the enemy in the Beast’s bed to the wife he sacrificed himself to save. From an ordinary girl…to a dragon. And not just any dragon—a powerful fire-breather…and the best hope to keep magic from flickering out forever.

With Fell gone, torn from her side in the dangerous swirling mists of the Crags, Tamsyn is heartbroken and alone among the dragon pride. An unwelcome outsider still learning to survive in this fiery skin of hers within a new cutthroat society, she trains in the arena until her muscles burn and her blood spills. Slowly, Tamsyn forges herself into a warrior in the shadow of Fell’s enigmatic brother, Vetr, whose silver eyes track her with distrust…and maybe something more.

But is Fell truly beyond her reach? Their bond pulls at her, as fiercely as the drive to protect both humans and dragonkind from the growing threat posed by Stig, once her closest friend, now a relentless enemy determined to hunt her down and destroy her—and with her, all things magic.

Magic stirs in the darkness, strengthening all who believe in it. But will it be enough to save Tamsyn, the pride, the kingdom…and a fiery love fated to endure for centuries, as deep as a scar in the bone?”

THOUGHTS

This book was absolutely heart wrenching but in the best way possible. There was a very tasty love triangle and enemies at every turn. There’s revenge, romance, intrigue, and anything else you could ask of a good fantasy. I adore Sophie Jordan, but I had not read her fantasy before this prequel series to Firelight. In other words, I have not read the Firelight series, but if it’s anything like this one, I probably need it on my TBR stat.

This is not a standalone and you need to read the first in the prequel series before you dive into this one. There’s no way you can appreciate the depths of the betrayals and the highs of the revenge scenes if you don’t. I love a good romantasy and this was a FEAST!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Adventure Fantasy Historical Fiction Paranormal Supernatural Survival

A LAND SO WIDE

BY Erin A Craig. Pub Date 9-9-25

Rating:

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“Like everyone else in the settlement of Mistaken, Greer Mackenzie is trapped. Founded by an ambitious lumber merchant, the village is blessed with rich natural resources that have made its people prosperous—but at a cost. The same woods that have lined the townsfolks’ pockets harbor dangerous beasts: wolves, bears, and the Bright-Eyeds—monsters beyond description who have rained utter destruction down on nearby settlements. But Mistaken’s founders made a deal with the mysterious Benevolence: the Warding Stones that surround the town will keep the Bright-Eyeds out—and the town’s citizens in. Anyone who spends a night within Mistaken’s borders belongs to it forever.

Greer, a mapmaker and eccentric dreamer, has always ached to explore the world outside, even though she knows she and her longtime love, Ellis Beaufort, will never see it. Until, on the day she and Ellis are meant to finally begin their lives together, Greer watches in horror as her beloved disappears beyond the Warding Stones, pursued by a monstrous creature. Determined to rescue Ellis, she figures out a way to defy Mistaken’s curse and begins a trek through the cold and pitiless wilderness. But there, Greer is hunted, not only by the ruthless Bright-Eyeds but by the secret truths behind Mistaken’s founding and her own origins.

Playfully drawing from Scottish folklore, Erin A. Craig’s adult debut is both a deeply atmospheric and profoundly romantic exploration of freedom versus security: a stunning celebration of one woman’s relentless bravery on a quest to reclaim her lost love—and seize her own future.”

THOUGHTS

Erin A Craig understands how to write atmospheric settings, interesting characters, and stories that take bites of folklore and ties them tightly to strands of simple and realistic settings. Each one is like a delicate web made from the delicate memories of life, knots of horror, and amber droplets of love and yearning that traverse along its edges.

Basically, I’m a fan behind all the waxing poetic.

A Land So Wide is an interesting mash up of manifest destiny and ancient evil, clashing on the shores of untamed wilderness. At times of felt like a condemning parallel to how the colonies were settled, with an eldritch horror in place of disease. I cannot explain that further, you will just need to read it. I enjoyed the characters and the ending. Craig always leaves us devastated yet satisfied, and, as always, waiting for the next story to burst forth from her brain and into our greedy hands.

Thanks to Netgalley and Pantheon for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest, fair review.

Categories
Fantasy Romance RomCom Spicy🌶️ Supernatural Witchy!

DEALING WITH A DESPERATE DEMON

By Charlotte Stein. Pub Date 10-07-2025

Rating – 4.5*s

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

Nancy has just about given up on finding her special person when Jack Jackson—big, scary and the town loser—walks into her bookstore. He’s apparently even more desperate for help in the romance department than she is. And after a bit of gentle persuasion, he finally accepts her guidance in securing his dream girl. Practice dates, lessons in tenderness—you name it, she can teach it.

There’s just one problem: his dream girl might have more than an issue with his dating skills. Because Jack isn’t just a little clueless; he’s actually the demonic son of Satan, from the deepest depths of hell. He’s spent his entire long underlife dragging evildoers to their fates, while really trying not to live up to his dad’s expectations.

Now, it isn’t just about getting a date with his dream girl. He needs to become a better man to win over the woman he’s been cosmically bound to, in a Beauty and the Beast style pact. If he fails, everyone he cares for will face a terrible fate. Luckily for him, Nancy may well be the witch she’s always tried to pretend she wasn’t. She can save him, he knows it—and she’s starting to know it too. Even if every day spent with him is an agonising reminder that she isn’t the girl he’s fated for.

But as the deadline approaches she’s starting to wonder… Could it be that she’s finally found her Prince? Or is she about to lose her heart to hell?

THOUGHTS:

I love a Charlotte Stein book, and this one was a pretty good supernatural romance. It was a very grumpy sunshine, he fell first romance. The secretly cinnamon roll-esque grumpy lead and a sunshine bookworm with a healthy bit of CPTSD gives it a little more bite.

I think the best part of this book is the way the “I can’t tell you about my curse” plays out. As always. It leads to misunderstandings and misadventures, but it goes beyond that, too, because Jack is also up against Nancy’s self doubt and the fact that she has no idea that Jack is holding a candle for her, and he hasn’t the slightest idea that the flame has been lit on hers, too.

As always, the spicy scenes are SPICY and Stein is able to keep the problems relatable, even with a sentient truck involved.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Fantasy Graphic Novels Romance Witchy!

MORGANA AND OZ VOLUME 3

By Miyuli, Pub Date 9/25/25

Rating 4.5****

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“Morgana Winterberry belongs to a long line of witches, while Oz belongs to the rival vampire clan. After lifting a magical curse on the vampires, Morgana makes an uneasy truce with them, very much against her family’s warnings.

Morgana and Oz plan to work together to investigate who cursed the vampires in the first place, and who summoned the ghouls that are stalking the forest. Much to Morgana’s worry, signs point to someone in her family using her powerful ancestor Neil Winterberry’s grimoire.

As Morgana tries to understand her stronger but more volatile magic, and learn more about her mysterious great-great-grandfather, she starts hearing a chilling and all too familiar voice in her head.

It will take a witch and a vampire, growing closer every day, to get to the bottom of things.”

REVIEW

This is one of the cutest Webtoon series on the site and I love how magical and a little dark it is, and the plot comes with some seriously adorable artwork. Volume three gets us a little further into the backstory of Morgana’s family and deepens her relationship with Oz into friendship, dipping its toe into something possibly more (they are totally still crushing on each other). I love the characters and how adorably suspicious her brother is about what’s going on. We get more of a reveal on what might be going on with Morgana’s magic and Oz’s past.

There is still so much life left in this story, and I am here for it. I love an adorable graphic novel and this series delivers every time.

Thank you to NetGalley and WEBTOON UNSCROLLED for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Adventure Cozy Fantasy Romance Spicy🌶️

A TALE OF MIRTH & MAGIC

By Kristen Vale. Pub Date 08-05-2025

Rating:

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“Elikki may not have a family, but she has her fierce independence, boundless charm, and enough talent as a jewelry artisan to make a living on the road. Unfortunately for some, she also can’t yet manage to control her chaotic magic. . . and her temper. Sweet, soft Barra lives a quiet life with his mas and three sisters, managing the books for his family’s business. All he wants is to blend in and not make waves—a bit tricky, as a nearly eight-foot-tall purple half-giant.

When Elikki lands in hot water after dealing with a particularly rude customer, Barra finds himself helping her flee the constables. With a bounty on her back—and a severe crush forming on his end—they decide to travel together to the next town. So begins a journey filled with cozy inns, delicious meals, heaps of excellent sex, and a sprinkling of danger.  As their adventures bring them closer together and the threat of capture rises they find themselves changing in surprising ways. He’s given up on finding love. She’s always refused to try. But traveling together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters don’t get them first.“

THOUGHTS

Both Spicy with a capital “Ssss” and incredibly cozy fantasy. I loved both characters. Elikki is a total charisma queen with a tough past that really seems to get in the way of her finding happiness at times, and Barra is a calm king, with a loving family, relatively routine life, but still  plenty of heartbreak. But there’s just something about Elikki that sets his world ablaze, and Barra is the calm, loving presence that may be enough of an anchor for Elikki to find her higher self.

The world building was great, with a lot of focus on cozy food, comfortable beds, pretty places, and plenty of magic. It was the best kind of palate cleanser and calming adventure. I really adored it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Fantasy Romance Spicy🌶️ Witchy!

A Simple Twist of Fate

by April Asher

Rating: 3.5*s – Cute and Cozy with a dash of spice!

Publish Date is May 13, 2025

Publisher’s Synopsis

“At the bright-eyed age of eighteen, witch Harlow “Harry” Pierce attended her first Fates Festival Finding Ceremony certain the Blue Willow Wisp would lead her to her Fated match, her cougar shifter boyfriend, Jaxon Atwood. But Fate had other plans, guiding her best friend to him instead. With a broken heart, all her belongings, and a vow to never return, Harry did the only thing a heartsick witch could do. Run.

Thirteen years later, she returns to her magical hometown—with her half-human, half-shifter goddaughter in tow—hoping that not only would the town work its magic on the troubled teenager, but that the local Alpha of the Rocky Mountain Pack could help Grace identify—and control—her fiery abilities.

Jaxon Atwood was a shifter of few words and even less patience… until his mother retired as Alpha of the Rocky Mountain Pack and left the running of things to him. It’s a headache he didn’t need, and one that brought the witch who’d ripped his heart from his chest knocking on his door.

Ever since the disappearance of the town’s Fate Witch over a decade ago, Fates Haven’s magic has been slowly going haywire. There hasn’t been a Fated Match made in thirteen years, putting the town in serious jeopardy of losing its title of Highest Fated Mates Percentage in the World. But now, something is stirring in Fates Haven, Colorado, and it smells like the past, tastes like change, and looks like A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE.”

REVIEW:

Another super cute supernatural romance from April Asher! I was a big fan of her previous series and am very excited for what comes next in the new Fates Haven series. So many interesting characters to dive into and the end of the first really gives us something to sink our talons into. 

The story between Jax and Harry is a good one to dive into. I’m not always a fan of the “simple miscommunication and teen mistakes caused all kinds of problems” trope, but this one was executed pretty well. There was a lot of world building, so it felt like that was more of the focus (also executed well). The character I fell most in love with in this one was the town of Fates Haven itself. It’s like a living, breathing part of this story. My second favorite is definitely Aunt Nora Pierce, and I cannot wait to see what other trouble that both can get into. 

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and April Asher for the advanced copy in exchange for this honest and impartial review!!