Scan barcode
cassiesbookishcorner's reviews
481 reviews
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
3.5
Lisette's life is shattered after her father kills the King and is executed, leaving her without the magic he SHOULD have passed on to her. In a city where magic is everything, she struggles to survive by performing illusions. She's determined to prove herself and become the Queen’s Jester. But her biggest rival, Luc, has real magic. As Lisette fights to win, she uncovers secrets about the Queen that force her to choose between clearing her family's name or chasing the fame she's always wanted.
I loved following Lisette’s journey as she comes to terms with the truths she faces. The world-building in this book is vivid, while melding seamlessly into the story-telling. The main plot is wrought with tension. Between trying to prove her worth, figuring out how to upstage the other magicians, and the growing feelings between Lisette and Luc, the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. I maybe would have liked a little more closure between Lisette and her father, but that's just me being picky. The blend of magic, competition, and even found family makes this book a great escape. I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys stories with strong characters and high stakes!
I loved following Lisette’s journey as she comes to terms with the truths she faces. The world-building in this book is vivid, while melding seamlessly into the story-telling. The main plot is wrought with tension. Between trying to prove her worth, figuring out how to upstage the other magicians, and the growing feelings between Lisette and Luc, the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. I maybe would have liked a little more closure between Lisette and her father, but that's just me being picky. The blend of magic, competition, and even found family makes this book a great escape. I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys stories with strong characters and high stakes!
Tori and Her Wolf by Zara Doyle
Top tier shifter romance! I was immediately invested in this story. Tori is a little naive, but sweet. And Hunter presents himself as a total ass, but we come to find out he’s just a big sweetheart afraid of his own feelings. There are a few twists and turns along the way, that add a little something to the story. If you’re into contemporary shifter romances, I think you’ll love this one!!
To Find A King by Heather Carter
4.0
After fleeing from her dangerous boss, single mom Sophie Tanner stumbles into a mysterious land. Joined by mercenaries, who tell her only the Mountain King can help her return to her son, they set off on a tumultuous journey, where she battles trolls, goblins, and a dark entity with sinister motives. As her past resurfaces, Sophie must confront her deepest fears to find her way home.
Just really one of the best fantasy books I've read in a long time! The world building is done very well, and is so seamlessly written into the story, you're completely engulfed in it without a second thought. The different worlds and creatures, monsters and fae alike, were well-thought-out, and added depth to the world and the story.
The plot in this one is a roller coaster. It keeps you guessing the whole way through. The characters are true to who they are from beginning to end, but when the main character can't even trust her own memory, it keeps you guessing.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
Just really one of the best fantasy books I've read in a long time! The world building is done very well, and is so seamlessly written into the story, you're completely engulfed in it without a second thought. The different worlds and creatures, monsters and fae alike, were well-thought-out, and added depth to the world and the story.
The plot in this one is a roller coaster. It keeps you guessing the whole way through. The characters are true to who they are from beginning to end, but when the main character can't even trust her own memory, it keeps you guessing.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
A Sword of Blood and Roses by Jessica Ash
3.5
For lovers of:
-Enemies to Lovers
-Fairytale Retelling
-Forbidden Love
-Dark Romance
A Sword of Blood and Roses is an enemies to lovers dark fantasy romance, where Trina, a human witch, is kidnapped by Logan, the high fae elven lord who was assigned to kill her. Together they must figure out why the queen wants her, and her family dead, while also figuring out their own complicated feelings towards each other.
This book jumps right into the story. You're immediately pulled into the lives and minds of both MCs, and though the story is very plot-driven, you don't miss out on getting to know and love the characters.
And the romance, while spicy, is also swoony, and sweet. Trina battling herself and her attraction to Logan because he's supposed to be her enemy, is almost as good as Logan says to hell with it, and loving her even though he knows he'll outlive her by thousands of years. I LOVE THEM!
The fairytale aspect of the story shows up, but doesn't drown out the originality of the plot, and the characters, though inspired by past renditions, are very much their own with their own personalities. I love all of them. They are fun and fierce, and layered. The world building is really interesting also, with fae and fairy, and all manner of creatures. I'm excited to keep reading this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
-Enemies to Lovers
-Fairytale Retelling
-Forbidden Love
-Dark Romance
A Sword of Blood and Roses is an enemies to lovers dark fantasy romance, where Trina, a human witch, is kidnapped by Logan, the high fae elven lord who was assigned to kill her. Together they must figure out why the queen wants her, and her family dead, while also figuring out their own complicated feelings towards each other.
This book jumps right into the story. You're immediately pulled into the lives and minds of both MCs, and though the story is very plot-driven, you don't miss out on getting to know and love the characters.
And the romance, while spicy, is also swoony, and sweet. Trina battling herself and her attraction to Logan because he's supposed to be her enemy, is almost as good as Logan says to hell with it, and loving her even though he knows he'll outlive her by thousands of years. I LOVE THEM!
The fairytale aspect of the story shows up, but doesn't drown out the originality of the plot, and the characters, though inspired by past renditions, are very much their own with their own personalities. I love all of them. They are fun and fierce, and layered. The world building is really interesting also, with fae and fairy, and all manner of creatures. I'm excited to keep reading this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Curse of Breath and Blood by K.W. Foster
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The world-building in A Curse of Breath and Blood is top tier, offering an immersive fantasy landscape with deeply woven magic systems, and ancient prophecies.
Aelia Springborn's ability to break minds is as unique as it is terrifying, and her role in this world is both tragic and powerful. The found family in this story, is messy, but loving and adds to the plot’s intensity. When Aelia and Caiden are pushed back together, their shared history and the hurt between them is tangible. As they work together to stop King Gideon from awakening the Alder King’s army, there’s undeniable tension.
HOWEVER, for me, Tharan was the obvious choice from the very first scene he entered the story!!! While Caiden represents history and pain, Tharan feels like the promise of something new. There’s a chemistry between Aelia and Tharan that’s hard to ignore, and it’s easy to find yourself rooting for him as the story progresses. It was never a love triangle for me. I was just waiting for the right choice to be made!
All parts of the story are woven together so you get all the best bits throughout. It is written in such a way that you get a whole picture on every page, and you're not left wondering what's going on in the other parts of the story. Overall, the novel weaves an exciting tale of magic, love, and sacrifice.
**Thanks so much to K.W. Foster for the ARC and letting me be a part of this journey**
Aelia Springborn's ability to break minds is as unique as it is terrifying, and her role in this world is both tragic and powerful. The found family in this story, is messy, but loving and adds to the plot’s intensity. When Aelia and Caiden are pushed back together, their shared history and the hurt between them is tangible. As they work together to stop King Gideon from awakening the Alder King’s army, there’s undeniable tension.
HOWEVER, for me, Tharan was the obvious choice from the very first scene he entered the story!!! While Caiden represents history and pain, Tharan feels like the promise of something new. There’s a chemistry between Aelia and Tharan that’s hard to ignore, and it’s easy to find yourself rooting for him as the story progresses. It was never a love triangle for me. I was just waiting for the right choice to be made!
All parts of the story are woven together so you get all the best bits throughout. It is written in such a way that you get a whole picture on every page, and you're not left wondering what's going on in the other parts of the story. Overall, the novel weaves an exciting tale of magic, love, and sacrifice.
**Thanks so much to K.W. Foster for the ARC and letting me be a part of this journey**
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Death of parent, and War
Falling for My Grumpy Fake Boyfriend by Faith Cole
1.0
I..kind of..hated this. The characters are insufferable. The romance is not romantic. It's borderline toxic, even though it barely exists. I feel like the story had potential, but didn't have time to get there, because of the short length. The whole thing felt very trite.
Small Favors by Erin A. Craig
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0
I knew it!! I knew it from the start. It took a while to get there, but I knew it!
Small Favors is a fantasy, horror, YA mystery, with a sprinkle of romance, and some top tier family drama. I enjoyed this book, though it is a little long-winded. It honestly probably could have been about 100 pages shorter. There is quite a bit going on throughout, with different elements erupting at different times. It gives a very whimsigoth feel throughout the book, which I really enjoyed.
It's a great dark fairytale full of beasts and unspeakable wishes.
Small Favors is a fantasy, horror, YA mystery, with a sprinkle of romance, and some top tier family drama. I enjoyed this book, though it is a little long-winded. It honestly probably could have been about 100 pages shorter. There is quite a bit going on throughout, with different elements erupting at different times. It gives a very whimsigoth feel throughout the book, which I really enjoyed.
It's a great dark fairytale full of beasts and unspeakable wishes.
A Curse of Crimson and Magic: A Dark Fantasy Romance by Jessica Ash
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
One of the standout parts of this book, is its magical world. Jessica Ash has crafted a universe that's immersive and brimming with creatures that are as magical as you'd hope. The plot is straightforward and engaging and keeps you turning the pages. Everyone in the book, from the main characters to the supporting cast, is well-developed and adds depth to the story. Goldwyn is my favorite, but all the characters contribute to the story.
**Thanks to Booksprout and Jessica Ash for the opportunity to read and review this book!**
**Thanks to Booksprout and Jessica Ash for the opportunity to read and review this book!**
Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant
emotional
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was a very sweet YA romance. You get to see both MCs really come into themselves, both individually and as a couple. The plot line of the teen punk band scene was very nostalgic for me, personally, and the D&D content was honestly so fun it made me want to be a part of that world.
The holiday fate meetings were such a fun way to start the relationship between these two doubt-ridden teens, and the progression of their relationship felt very honest, and true to how your brain (read: hormones) makes you act. Overall, I really enjoyed the read.
The holiday fate meetings were such a fun way to start the relationship between these two doubt-ridden teens, and the progression of their relationship felt very honest, and true to how your brain (read: hormones) makes you act. Overall, I really enjoyed the read.