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acourtofstarsandsapphire's reviews
13 reviews
The Death Bringer by A.M. Eno
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I received a copy of this book from the author and am honored to share this completely honest review!
While this book started off a bit slow for me, it really started to take off towards the middle! This book is full of action, magic, and fantastic world-building.
My favorite aspect of this book was the found family. The love these characters have for each other is palpable and so endearing.
Overall, this is a well-thought out and well-written debut fantasy! If you loved The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J Maas, you will love The Death Bringer!
ππ£π π‘ππ€
β°οΈFound Family
π Elemental Magic
β°οΈ Dark Magic
π Assassin's Guild
β°οΈ Protective FMC
While this book started off a bit slow for me, it really started to take off towards the middle! This book is full of action, magic, and fantastic world-building.
My favorite aspect of this book was the found family. The love these characters have for each other is palpable and so endearing.
Overall, this is a well-thought out and well-written debut fantasy! If you loved The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J Maas, you will love The Death Bringer!
ππ£π π‘ππ€
β°οΈFound Family
π Elemental Magic
β°οΈ Dark Magic
π Assassin's Guild
β°οΈ Protective FMC
The Shadow of Polaris by D.L. Houpt, D.L. Houpt
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I received a copy of this book from the author and am honored to share this completely honest review!
The Shadow of Polaris is about Elpis, a morally grey, strong AF, and independent FMC.
Following Elpis' journey, some of her decisions felt abrupt at first. But, the more I read the more I understood her actions and the motivations behind them.
Arcturas is just incredible. She's a fearsome animal companion ready to protect her human at all costs.
Elpis' world is wonderfully built and the descriptive language used is incredibly immersive. The transitions can be smoother. I've seen the author's response to other reviews and her openess to constructive criticism, this makes me excited for book 2!
Overall, Elpis' story is exciting, heart-wrenching, and full of the element of surprise!
The Shadow of Polaris is about Elpis, a morally grey, strong AF, and independent FMC.
Following Elpis' journey, some of her decisions felt abrupt at first. But, the more I read the more I understood her actions and the motivations behind them.
Arcturas is just incredible. She's a fearsome animal companion ready to protect her human at all costs.
Elpis' world is wonderfully built and the descriptive language used is incredibly immersive. The transitions can be smoother. I've seen the author's response to other reviews and her openess to constructive criticism, this makes me excited for book 2!
Overall, Elpis' story is exciting, heart-wrenching, and full of the element of surprise!
Mysteries of the Southern Gothic by Jessica Carrasquillo
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I received a copy of this book from the author and am honored to share this completely honest review!
I finished this book in 2 days, that's the fastest I've ever read a book! It grabbed my attention immediately and wouldn't let it go!
I loved the way it was written and the inclusion of podcast episodes. The inclusion of listeners comments in forum discussions about the episodes was fun too. I found it very entertaining and it's part of the reason I couldn't put it down.
The main characters are flawed, making them feel very real and relatable.
Overall, if you love true crime, podcasts, and solving mysteries, you'll love this book! It does spoil some aspects of the author's first book, The Machineel, so you may want to read that first. And, as always, check out the content and trigger warnings before reading!
This is a great, quick read and I highly recommend it!
I finished this book in 2 days, that's the fastest I've ever read a book! It grabbed my attention immediately and wouldn't let it go!
I loved the way it was written and the inclusion of podcast episodes. The inclusion of listeners comments in forum discussions about the episodes was fun too. I found it very entertaining and it's part of the reason I couldn't put it down.
The main characters are flawed, making them feel very real and relatable.
Overall, if you love true crime, podcasts, and solving mysteries, you'll love this book! It does spoil some aspects of the author's first book, The Machineel, so you may want to read that first. And, as always, check out the content and trigger warnings before reading!
This is a great, quick read and I highly recommend it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Gun violence
Heir of Sin by C. L. Qvam
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Everytime I had to stop to complete the obligations of life while reading this book was a struggle. I had to know what was going to happen next!
Given the opportunity I would have devoured this book in one sitting. On one hand I wish I could have done that, on the other I'm glad I couldn't so I had more time with these characters, especially the delicious Elijah. I also loved Kiera and her growth in this book. I am so looking forward to continuing my journey with them. Fallen Sins Book 2 is already on my list of anticipated releases in 2025!
Besides having some juicy spice, fun in front of fireplaces, and him falling first, this NA Romantasy reminds us of the unconditional love, respect, and devotion that we all deserve!
ππ£π π‘ππ€:
πOne bed
π₯He falls first
π"Who did this?"
π₯Seven deadly sins
πHeated scene before a fireplace
βπ ππ₯πππ₯/ππ£πππππ£ πππ£πππππ€:
Bullying
Spiked Drink
Sexual Coercion (Bordering SA)
Given the opportunity I would have devoured this book in one sitting. On one hand I wish I could have done that, on the other I'm glad I couldn't so I had more time with these characters, especially the delicious Elijah. I also loved Kiera and her growth in this book. I am so looking forward to continuing my journey with them. Fallen Sins Book 2 is already on my list of anticipated releases in 2025!
Besides having some juicy spice, fun in front of fireplaces, and him falling first, this NA Romantasy reminds us of the unconditional love, respect, and devotion that we all deserve!
ππ£π π‘ππ€:
πOne bed
π₯He falls first
π"Who did this?"
π₯Seven deadly sins
πHeated scene before a fireplace
βπ ππ₯πππ₯/ππ£πππππ£ πππ£πππππ€:
Bullying
Spiked Drink
Sexual Coercion (Bordering SA)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Sexual assault
Secrets of Thorns by Fleur DeVillainy
adventurous
medium-paced
3.0
I received a copy of this book from the author and am honored to share this completely honest review!
Elemental Magic
Shifters, the FMC is a Unicorn Shifter!
Magical Library
Fated Mates
Witches
Dragon
Dual POV
Fun Banter
Secrets of Thorns is the 2nd book in The Vandeleur Trilogy. It continues following the journey of Sybil, our unicorn shifter FMC, and Aramis our wind wielding MMC. I loved the Dual POV and getting each of their perspectives throughout the story.
The pace was fairly quick and I found it to be a pretty easy read. It's a good fantasy romance with a couple of spicy scenes in the second half of the book.
While I did enjoy reading this book and didn't struggle to finish it, it wasn't my favorite. That's solely based on my personal preferences and I hope that doesn't discourage anyone from giving it a read! In my opinion, 3 stars isn't a bad rating, it's neutral leaning towards positive.
If you enjoy stories featuring shifters, magical libraries, adventure, and fated mates, I think you would enjoy this book! Give it a try!
Elemental Magic
Shifters, the FMC is a Unicorn Shifter!
Magical Library
Fated Mates
Witches
Dragon
Dual POV
Fun Banter
Secrets of Thorns is the 2nd book in The Vandeleur Trilogy. It continues following the journey of Sybil, our unicorn shifter FMC, and Aramis our wind wielding MMC. I loved the Dual POV and getting each of their perspectives throughout the story.
The pace was fairly quick and I found it to be a pretty easy read. It's a good fantasy romance with a couple of spicy scenes in the second half of the book.
While I did enjoy reading this book and didn't struggle to finish it, it wasn't my favorite. That's solely based on my personal preferences and I hope that doesn't discourage anyone from giving it a read! In my opinion, 3 stars isn't a bad rating, it's neutral leaning towards positive.
If you enjoy stories featuring shifters, magical libraries, adventure, and fated mates, I think you would enjoy this book! Give it a try!
The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Of Secrets and Solace by Ellysa Marin
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I received a copy of this book from the author and am honored to share this completely honest review!
I am in awe and I want to cry, but in the best way possible. How many days until the sequel comes out? I don't know, but omg am I anxiously waiting for it.
I have so many questions, but still feel satisfied with the ending. Although intermission might be a better way to describe the ending because I know it is about to go down in book two. If you do not like cliffhangers, wait for book 2 and then devour both back-to-back!
This book is so well-written and immersive. I feel like I've know about Elyira all of my life, not that I was just introduced to it when beginning this book.
I feel the same way about the characters. Not one second of this book feels like you're reading boring backstory. Ellysa builds the world and creates rich characters effortlessly and weaves everything we need to know into the story seemlessly.
Being presented information about Elyira before the story began, was incredibly helpful. It made Elyira feel familiar instead of foreign.
I highly recommend Of Secrets and Solace. I also HIGHLY recommend reading the content warnings because it has Game of Thrones level violence and gore. There's some very spicy spice as well!
Now, stop reading reviews and start reading this book!
I am in awe and I want to cry, but in the best way possible. How many days until the sequel comes out? I don't know, but omg am I anxiously waiting for it.
I have so many questions, but still feel satisfied with the ending. Although intermission might be a better way to describe the ending because I know it is about to go down in book two. If you do not like cliffhangers, wait for book 2 and then devour both back-to-back!
This book is so well-written and immersive. I feel like I've know about Elyira all of my life, not that I was just introduced to it when beginning this book.
I feel the same way about the characters. Not one second of this book feels like you're reading boring backstory. Ellysa builds the world and creates rich characters effortlessly and weaves everything we need to know into the story seemlessly.
Being presented information about Elyira before the story began, was incredibly helpful. It made Elyira feel familiar instead of foreign.
I highly recommend Of Secrets and Solace. I also HIGHLY recommend reading the content warnings because it has Game of Thrones level violence and gore. There's some very spicy spice as well!
Now, stop reading reviews and start reading this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Bridgerton with a Shadow Daddy. Need I say more?
This book is so fun! It has courting, dancing, murder, assassination attempts, and fabulous dresses! ;)
It also includes LGBTQIA+ Rep and plenty of female empowerment, especially when it comes to sexual relationships.
Alessandra is our gorgeous FMC, who designs her own clothes and is a true influencer with everyone in court immitating her looks the day after she wears them. But there is so much more to her than that! She's cunning, loves dogs, and has the determination to get exactly what she wants.
The Shadow King, hello shadow daddy!, is brooding and difficult, yet intriguing and sexy. His furry friend, Demodocus, is an adorably loyal pup and I loved his inclusion in the story.
I'm not typically a huge fan of YA Romance, but I found this to be really enjoyable! For me, it was a great palette cleanser between the darker, more intense Fantasy Romances that I tend to read.
This book is so fun! It has courting, dancing, murder, assassination attempts, and fabulous dresses! ;)
It also includes LGBTQIA+ Rep and plenty of female empowerment, especially when it comes to sexual relationships.
Alessandra is our gorgeous FMC, who designs her own clothes and is a true influencer with everyone in court immitating her looks the day after she wears them. But there is so much more to her than that! She's cunning, loves dogs, and has the determination to get exactly what she wants.
The Shadow King, hello shadow daddy!, is brooding and difficult, yet intriguing and sexy. His furry friend, Demodocus, is an adorably loyal pup and I loved his inclusion in the story.
I'm not typically a huge fan of YA Romance, but I found this to be really enjoyable! For me, it was a great palette cleanser between the darker, more intense Fantasy Romances that I tend to read.
The Death King by Penelope Barsetti
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
The Death King sucked me in immediately and I devoured this book! I enjoyed the balance of plot and spice, being just as intrigued by the storyline as I was by the spiciness. Both aspects of the book had me tearing through the pages and eager to read book 2.
The Death King is the grayest of morally grey MMCs, the broodiest, and dare I say the hottest! OMG, he is scorching! π₯΅
The FMC, Calista, is sassy and quite feisty! I loved her strength, especially after what she'd been through. She has been through a lot of horrendous things. Please check the trigger/content warnings for this book before reading.
I couldn't review this book without mentioning The Death King's dragon, Khazmuda. Can I have one? This dragon gives sage advice, protecting and guiding The Death King. His loyalty is incredible.
If you're not triggered by the content warnings, then get this book and devour it ASAP! The Death King is an impatient man, don't keep him waiting. π«¦
I received a copy of this eBook and a physical copy from the author! My thoughts on it are unbiased and 100% my own! π€
The Death King is the grayest of morally grey MMCs, the broodiest, and dare I say the hottest! OMG, he is scorching! π₯΅
The FMC, Calista, is sassy and quite feisty! I loved her strength, especially after what she'd been through. She has been through a lot of horrendous things. Please check the trigger/content warnings for this book before reading.
I couldn't review this book without mentioning The Death King's dragon, Khazmuda. Can I have one? This dragon gives sage advice, protecting and guiding The Death King. His loyalty is incredible.
If you're not triggered by the content warnings, then get this book and devour it ASAP! The Death King is an impatient man, don't keep him waiting. π«¦
I received a copy of this eBook and a physical copy from the author! My thoughts on it are unbiased and 100% my own! π€
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide