geethr75's reviews
1361 reviews

imPerfect Bones by C.N. Rowan

5.0

 

The fourth book of the imPerfect Cathar series starts where the last one ended. Aicha may have saved Paul from the cave that De Montfort trapped him in, but they're still in Faerie. What's more, they still need to rescue the children that Jack has abducted for Maeve, the Winter Queen, ruler of the Unseelie Court. To add to their woes, Paul is again untalented. Plus, traumatised so heavily by what De Montfort did that he has PTSD flashbacks at inconvenient times: like in the middle of a fight. 

Still, they can't leave the children in Maeve's clutches. The portal out of Faerie is also situated in Maeve's throne room. In addition, De Montfort is likely to be in the Winter Court too. The catch? The moment they step foot in her lands, the Unseelie queen will know. 

This one is as action packed as the others with that humour that I've come to expect from C.N. Rowan's books. Paul's trauma does make it difficult for him to joke around and bluster as he used to, but he still has Aicha who once again has to save the day. Seriously, Aicha saves the day is the perfect title for this series. Just saying. 

I love how real Paul's trauma and flashbacks felt, and how Aicha is able to put things in perspective for him before saving the day. The mysterious White Lady makes an appearance here and I can't help but wonder what Aicha owes her in return for her help in saving Paul twice already. 

If you love urban fantasy, badass female characters, prose that manages to be funny despite the serious themes in deals with, friendships and found families, this is the book for you. The series is getting progressively darker, and I am off to read the next book! 

Memory of Tea & Magic by Katherine A. Darling

5.0

 

I so enjoyed the premise and the story! Greyson is a mage who has had no formal training and who lives in the mountains after he was exiled following a rebellion. Cyrus, the nephew of the emperor and the captain of his forces who subdued the rebellion, taking out Greyson's right eye in the process, is the other protagonist. 

The story opens with Cyrus injured in a glade and with no memory of who he is or where he is or how he came to be there. He stumbles across Greyson who he has a feeling he knows and an instinctive trust for the man. Greyson, realising that Cyrus has no memories is tempted to leave him there to die, but allows a merciful impulse to take him back to his home and nurse him back to health. In his attempts to find out why Cyrus was there, Greyson finds himself falling for his once hated enemy, and Cyrus reciprocates. But will their love survive it when Cyrus regains his memories? 

The romance is developed slowly, allowing Greyson's feelings room to change. Enemies to lovers is an extremely difficult trope to write and I'm talking enemies here, not rivals, but people who have actively harmed the other. It helps that devoid of his memories Cyrus is a ball of sunshine and more like an excited puppy. It takes time for Greyson to get over his animosity and for his feelings to change. 

I love the queer rep in this and the fact that Cyrus has such a loving, supportive family. Even his uncle, the Emperor, comes around in the end, despite having no love lost for Greyson. The worldbuilding and the characterisations are both very good. Greyson has no blood family of his own, but has a huge found family consisting of nearly everyone in his village and his students. 

If you love enemies to lovers, slow burn romances, amnesia trope and found and actual families, and magic, not to mention, tea, for which Greyson has a weakness, you will love this book! 

Five Dead Herrings by E.J. Russell

5.0

 

This is a mystery but is also about finding one's place. 

Matt is a human who accidentally discovers the supernatural world. He used to be a photographer selling photos to a tabloid and have always wanted fairies and other supernaturals to be real. When he realises that the guy he has been crushing on for a while is actually a shifter, his worldview takes a complete turn. 

Except the supernaturals have their own rules about humans, and usually they involve memory modification and being kicked out. Matt somehow, proves an exception and is allowed inside the world of the supes on probationary basis. He has to agree to all sorts of things, and his camera has enchanted lenses to prevent him from selling any pictures he takes in the human world. He's also employed by Quest Investigations, the only investigative agency for the supes who doesn't have any police or other investigative avenues. 

Matt is called Hugh by the supes because he used to be called human like a slur till his boss came up with the creative idea of calling him Hugh Mann, so now he's Hugh in the world of the supes. Matt still carries a torch for Ted, his grizzly shifter crush who's happily married. But all of that changes when he crosses paths with Lachlan Brodie, a selkie who's being harassed by his ex-husband. 

What looks like a simple case of domestic dispute turns out to be anything but, and Matt who is put in charge of the case, has to fight between his own inappropriate feelings for his client and the seeming pack of lies Lachlan has told. 

This was my first book in this universe, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had a feeling that reading some of the earlier books would give more of a background on everything that's happened in the past, but even without it, this is quite an enjoyable read. Matt's enthusiasm for the supes and his realisation that they aren't necessarily better than humans are both so believable and relatable. Matt's struggle with fitting in a world that clearly doesn't want him, and his self-esteem issues in Quest where he feels like he's a useless addition are all brought out very convincingly. 

The world building in this is beautifully done. There's nothing on the nose, but it's a fully realised world of supes with their own rules and hierarchy. 

If you love paranormal mysteries, queernormative societies, slow burn romance, a relatable protagonist and magic, this is the book for you! 

Duking It Out by E.J. Russell

adventurous emotional funny hopeful relaxing medium-paced

5.0

 

This was a very entertaining read. I love queer books and when they are as good as these, well! I finished it in one go, and enjoyed it a lot! 

North and South Aberra are enemy nations and though not officially at war, relations are very very strained. Duke of Roses, Sander Flala is nephew to the queen and cousin to the heir presumptive of South Abarra. His magic is very unpredictable and it going out of control once when he was a child led to his father's death, the death of 16 others and the destruction of part of the royal castle. The incident has earned him the epithet of Monster of Roses. 

Since then, he's more or less in house arrest. His magic fries almost every technology around him, so he has to make do with pen and paper to write letters, messages etc. 

He spends his time working with wood since he loves crafting things and the wooden aging barrels he makes for the vintage wine produced by his family's vineyards have made them the best. He has also built a yacht with his hands, and using pretty obsolete instruments to navigate since technology gets fried when it's near him. He also has an uncanny sense of direction, able to tell where he is without checking maps or compasses. 

His sister and he are planning to go on a birthday cruise, but his sister had to cancel, so now Sander's planning to go alone. But before that he's required by the queen to mediate between North Abarra and his own nation due to a drought that has hit both nations and for which North Abarra holds the south responsible. 

Representing North Abarra is Duke of Arles, Tarik Jaso whose magic lets him hear everything on airwaves, and which gives him splitting headaches. The only place he can find peace is when surrounded by water, and hence his favourite pastime is lounging in his very large pools. Tarik is also a wine grower whose lands adjoin that of Sander's and who's endlessly frustrated by the fact that his wine is never as good as Sander's and that he can't apparently bribe anyone to give him the same aging barrels. (He doesn't know they're handmade by Sander). 

Tarik also has a notorious temper, and the mediation goes south as soon as it begins which leads Sander to simply walk away, or ride away since he was informed of the meeting in the middle of a ride and didn't have the time to change. 

In a series of coincidences, Tarik is kidnapped by some unknowns who use Sander's yacht to get rid of him but somehow Sander interrupts the proceedings and the two along with the boat are sent away with magic, ending up in an uninhabited island with the yacht partly destroyed. 

Initially, Tarik blames Sander for everything, but soon realises the other man's innocence. He also figures out Sander's gift and helps him control it. From there on, the two fall into bed together, since there is only one bed (ahem) berth actually. 

I loved the whole of this, about how much of a cinnamon roll Sander is and Tarik recognises it very quickly too. Tarik too has a reputation due to his hot temper but despite it, Sander sees him for who he is. Though they belong to enemy nations, they're both so much in love and struggling because it can never be. They both want to be rescued and don't because once back home, they can't be Tarik and Sander anymore. 

If you love magic with technology, powers, political intrigues, humour romance and two very likeable protagonists, this is the book for you. 

Third Front by E. M. Hamill

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 

The final book of the series, this one has Dalí and the team of the Penumbra trying to chase down the drug runners of the Pilean Cartel in Sol Fed. Things go sideways when Dalí is identified as a Penumbra agent by a Pilean, and Sumner is relieved of his command following the fuck up with Alecto Sim. Dalí gets a message from Kiran Singh about a possible connection to Miriam Skadi, but for that, they will have to go to Luna where Dalí's family was killed. 

Dalí and Sumner go to Luna while the rest of the team arranges to extradite the Pliean assassin. In Luna, Dalí meets Mother England, the smuggler millionaire who is the money and face of The Third Front, the movement for Third Gender rights. Dalí reconnects with Dru who they rescued in the first book and who is now Mother England's PR person. Mother England has evidence against Skadi and a possible location where they will be but in return, they demand immunity. 

When Dalí and Sumner reach the rendezvous, it is to find a dead Kiran Singh and not a moment later, Homeland Security Forces show up. As they investigate, they realise that this goes beyond Miriam Skadi and the Luna terminal bombing since Skadi has managed to smuggle a highly advanced AI into Sol Fed. However, there is another AI that is sentient and hell bent on finding the kidnapped ones who decides to jack Sumner's body for a ride. 

This was another edge of the seats thriller with revelations and truths coming out that have cosmic implications. Dalí and Sumner get together (finally!) and the new AI Kitryd hitches a ride with Dalí as they run around trying to investigate without getting themselves killed. Alecto Sim makes a reappearance, and so does the Shontovians including Naru. Once again, Dalí has to try and save the day running against the clock and a broken ship that's literally heading to the sun. 

It was a good conclusion to the series, but there are still questions remaining, and I hope that the series will continue, even if only in novellas. 

If you love action packed sci fi with queer characters, alien civilisations and cultures, spaceships, and moral quandaries, you will love this book. 

Peacemaker by E.M. Hamill

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-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

 

I'm broken hearted and traumatised. My heart is broken. Poor Dalí! 

That out of the way, Peacemaker has Dalí playing ambassador yet again. The facility where Shontovians are bio engineered has crashed to Ursetu and the Ursetu have lost control of their creations. They have applied for a membership to the Remoliad and needs someone to negotiate with the Shontovians. Dalí is the perfect person since they have already dealt with Shontovians successfully once. 

The second book of the Dalí Tamereia series has more details on the Ursetu, on the inhumane treatment of Shontovians and more on Sumner's background. Alecto Sim, the head of the Remoliad Security Council turns out to be an old acquaintance/friend/lover of Sumner's. The Lord Rhix of the previous book is actually prince Nazheer of Ursetu and he makes an appearance in this book as well as does Gor and the crew of the Thunder Child. 

Dalí and her friends have their work cut out as they realise that someone high up in the Ursetu is behind the crash and that the Shontovians are expected to kill the queen. Dalí has to ensure their safety and survival while the clock is ticking against them all. 

All in all, this was as entertaining a read as the first and I'm really looking forward to the last book now! 

If you love sci fi, alien civilisations and cultures, moral quandaries, queer characters, action, space flights and fights, you will love this book! 

Violets and Violence by M. Kato

adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 

The third book of the Tokyo MPD mysteries, this one has Teruo dealing with his past when a killer he failed to catch ten years ago surfaces again. 

Ten years ago, a serial killer called the Violet Killer had targeted working women with small children and left a bunch of violets on their bodies. Despite the brutal way they were murdered, the police could find few clues. Megumi who was working homicide back then was used to bait the killer and barely escaped with her life. Teruo chased the killer but couldn't catch him. 

Now, a body has appeared bearing the violets and the MO of the killer. Teruo and Megumi has both to deal with the past while Shinji is trying to deal with a co worker Furuya who is making veiled insinuations about his relationship with Teruo. 

Teruo has to find the truth about his healing powers which means talking to his estranged family. With the pressure of knowing that the soul ward can only last for a few more months, and under pressure to catch the killer and to talk to his parents, he is one step away from breaking. 

I love how Teruo and Shinji support each other here. They are the perfect couple who put each other and their needs above societal and work expectations. Though the mystery is solved regarding Teruo's healing powers and the killer is caught, the road ahead has still more bumps as their relationship has been outed and supernaturals are taking over the MPD. 

I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the final book of this series when it releases! 

 

 

No Souls on The River by M. Kato

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 

The second book of the Tokyo MPD mysteries, this one is a different case which gives Shinji some much needed closure while keeping alive the mystery of Teruo's ability to see his reiryoku and to heal him. 

Souls are missing from the Sanzu river in the Tokyo section and Shinji is being interrogated as are all Shinigami. Shinji's ex, who's a gate technician has been called from Hiroshima to assist with the case. When a friend of Megumi's, Keiko, is killed in the exact manner as his former boss, Shinji suspects Ueda, his ex. Things are further complicated when it turns out Keiko's sister has powers and is also working for the Onmyoryo. 

The mystery of who is taking the souls and why was quite suspenseful. Also the mystery of Keiko's death and the connection between that and the death of Shiji's former boss. I hated Ueda from the get go. Abusive asshole. 

Teruo and Shinji also has to investigate the case, the missing souls, and the reason behind the weird ability Teruo has of seeing Shinji's reiryoku and of healing him, without tipping off the humans or the supernaturals they work with about their relationship. Something that's made even more complicated when Ueda and another supernatural is assigned as consultants to work with them. 

The relationship between Shinji and Teruo is a highlight of this book, and I loved that the author was able to keep the plot from devolving into too much romance and spice. The mysteries were the focus but the relationship is also important. 

Though the mystery of Keiko's murder and the disappearing souls were solved satisfactorily, the mystery of Teruo's weird ability to heal Shinji by using his own soul and putting his life at risk, remains unsolved. For now, a soul ward will protect him, but it is, at best, a temporary solution. 

I can't wait to dig into the next book! 

The Red Collar by M. Kato

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 

This was my first book by this author and while I thought the premise sounded interesting enough, the reality surpassed my expectations. 

The Red Collar is a supernatural mystery with an M/M romance set in modern day Japan. It revolves around Hayashi Teruo, the chief inspector of homicide with the Tokyo Metropolital Police Department who has a reputation for being tough and impatient with mistakes. He has had four partners requesting reassignments or resigning and his superior has threatened him with a demotion if he drives away the latest one as well. Enter Miyazaki Shinji who is not only professional and efficient, but is very easy on the eyes. As a closeted gay out only to his best friend, Teruo is both attracted to Shinji and mistrustful of some of his actions. What Teruo doesn't know is that Shinji is no mere cop; he's also a Shinigami, the Japanese equivalent of a Grim Reaper. He can see ghosts and helps them cross over. 

When they encounter a series of murders, Shinji realises that the ghosts of the dead people are being controlled by another Shinigami, preventing him from finding the truth about the murders. As Teruo and he struggles to piece clues together, Shinji has to hide his truth while people are dying around them. 

I loved the lore in this. Being from India, I've always loved Eastern mythology, since they're all close to the ones I grew up with. The mystery was well written and kept me engaged throughout. The chemistry between Teruo and Shinji was also an aspect that I enjoyed. Both the characters were well fleshed out with backstories and motivations of their own. 

If you love eastern mythology, murder mysteries, high heat romance, and urban fantasy, this is the perfect book for you.  

Sunset by Arshad Ahsanuddin

 

This was the last of my SPSFC semi final reads. The premise was intriguing enough and as a writer and avid reader of queer spec fic, I was eager to read this. However, the book was disappointing, to say the least. 

 

Nick Jameson is a vampire but one who has got back his soul. His attempt to deescalate a situation with a terrorist has him outing the supernatural community to the humans. Despite their attempts to stay peaceful, there are elements within the humans who are not content to leave them alone, whose paranoia is of an order that they would rather destroy the world than live and let live. Nick has to save everyone, and in the process make tough decisions and choices. 

 

There was just too much going on with this book. Too many storylines, plot threads, character arcs, past and present timelines, that it got quite confusing. A lot of it could have been deleted with no impact on the overall plotline, but as it was there was way too much flab for me to appreciate the story or Nick's character arc. 

 

All along, I had the sense of a book that I really would have loved if it had some focus, but since it's focus was as scattered as my ADHD brain, I wasn't able to. 

 

The beginning: great. The end: brilliant. The middle, however was eminently forgettable for me. 

 

If you love hidden supernatural communities with advanced technology, the impact of secrets revealed and concealed, queer romance, and vampires, you might enjoy this book. 

 

The opinions stated are my own and not the team's.