Book Review: "The Rivaled Crown" by Holly Renee

“The Rivaled Crown” is the final installment in The Veiled Kingdom series by Holly Renee - and quite honestly was THE BEST book in the series. I have loved this series since the first book, but this final book just solidified that Dacre and Verena are one of my favorite bookish couples.

Despite some of the issues I had with the second book, “The Hunted Heir”, this book took the various conflicts and wrapped everything up in a bow. The level of detail to really suss out some of the storyline and back history was just perfection (I was literally crying when she started talking about her mother’s motives). This book was an emotional rollercoaster - but of the best variety (I literally cried like four times throughout the book). 

Even with the pull on emotions, this book had everything you’d expect from a romantasy novel - court politics and political intrigue, found family, scheming fathers, familia trauma, and a love story that persists through it all. Daddy Dacre is one of my favorite book boyfriends - hands down! His devotion to seeing Verena succeed and take her rightful place in her kingdom is just everything you want in a dark, rebellion leader. He’s literally her number one advocate - vowing to make the world burn for her!

I have always loved the relationship Verena has with Wren and the family she finds among the rebellion. I loved seeing Wren and Kai’s relationship finally come to a tipping point in this book (is there a spin-off for them in the future!?) Their support for Verena and Dacre was everything. 

But Verena really takes the cake! She has been through the ringer with her abusive father, betrayals from those closest to her, and the death of not only her mother but her own kingdom’s subjects at the hands of her power-hungry father…but her resilience and inner fight never break. She is strong, opinionated, and isn’t deterred by men who think they know best. I absolutely love her!

This book was just amazing and such a great way to end the series! I hope that Ms. Renee continues to write books where bad ass females continue to lead and bring kingdoms (and the Daddy Dacres of the world) to their knees. 

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Book Review: "House of Raven" by Ingrid Seymour

Ingrid Seymour’s “House of the Raven" is a captivating blend of fantasy, intrigue, and romance. Seymour’s latest introduces a richly imagined world filled with complex characters and a plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Valeria, the king’s daughter, is a total dreamer with a big heart. After her mother was killed by a Fae sorcerer, Valeria’s own life force was drained by Fae magic, which has pretty much disappeared from the human world since the fall of the Veil. But here’s the kicker: Valeria and her older sister, Amira, are secretly half-Fae, thanks to their mother’s side of the family - a fact that’s been kept hidden for a long time.

Then there's Rífíor, aka River, the leader of a Fae rebel group. He’s definitely a complex, morally gray character, and I think the author did a great job with him. He’s got his own agenda, full of goals and motivations that he doesn’t readily share - even with his closest allies. Determined to enact his long-standing plan for revenge, Rífíor is dependent on Valeria for his plan to work. Their fates are intertwined from the start and when their paths cross, it sets off a series of events that had me gripping my seat. 

 “House of the Raven" is labeled as a romance, so I thought that would be the main focus, but I was pleasantly surprised. There’s also the whole enemies-to-lovers thing going on, but it’s done really well—nothing superficial or rushed here. The way the romance develops is full of subtlety and slow-burn tension, which worked out beautifully in the end. Yes, there’s romance, including one steamy scene, but the story remains the primary focus (which I appreciated!)

Seymour does an exquisite job with this novel’s world-building. I loved how the setting drew inspiration from Spanish culture and how Seymour’s storytelling is such an immersive experience. The concept of “espiritu” (literally, the Spanish word for spirit or life-force) and the magic system built around it was particularly intriguing. The author reveals the story’s secrets little by little, so you get to piece things together and discover the truth alongside Valeria. Valeria’s character arc and growth throughout the story was on point; despite being relatively naive in the beginning, she remains feisty, stubborn, and surprisingly empathetic as certain truths are revealed throughout the novel. 

Overall, “House of the Raven” is a well-crafted fantasy novel that offers readers compelling characters, intriguing world-building, and the beginnings of a satisfying romance. This book surprised me in the best way, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Book Review: "Fear the Flames" by Olivia Darling

“Fear the Flames” by Olivia Darling was everything I had heard about it and more! Since falling down the dragon hoard hole, I’ve been devouring any and all dragon books I could get my hands on. Many were good but I was still missing my next dragon read that would give me the same high that the Empyrean series did. Enter “Fear the Flames.”

This book had it all - an exiled princess seeking revenge against her cruel childhood abusers, a dragon heist, a steamy romance with banter that had me laughing out loud, and found family that was pulling on heartstrings. 

The relationships in the book were expertly crafted. I loved that Elowen had a platonic best friend who supported her through every step of her journey. Her friendships with Ryder and Saskia are fundamental to her after having been alone both during her imprisonment and after as she forged a name for herself in her new kingdom. And then there’s Cayden - our morally gray MMC. He’s possessive, commanding, and has some beef with Elowen - so there’s this love/hate aspect of their romance, even though she’s really given no precedent for why there’s strife between them. But the banter! Elowen and Cayden’s quick-witted, snarky banter made the book!

And then Elowen herself was the cherry on top. I absolutely love and connect with books in which - despite trauma and abuse - the female main character is a badass bitch who lets nothing and no one get in her way of righting those who have wronged her along her journey. Elowen is strong, lethal, and every bit the queen her birth right ensures her to be.

I devoured this book in one sitting - I absolutely LOVED it! I am so excited for the sequel and can’t wait to see where it takes Elowen and her dragons.

Book Review: "The Hunted Heir" by Holly Renee

“The Hunted Heir” by Holly Renee is the second book in the The Veiled Kingdom series. It continues the story right where the first book left off, with Verena, heir to the kingdom, on the run. Not only is she being hunted by her cruel, manipulative father (the king), she is now a person of interest to the rebellion who have since found out her true identity and are looking to use her as leverage against the king. Between the political machinations of two power-hungry men, Verena struggles to keep one step ahead of both enemies. 

Dacre, fresh off the heels of betraying Verena, is now desperately searching for her. Haunted by his feelings for her and the secrets she's hiding, he's racing against time (and his own father) to find her.

The story is filled with thrilling action, intense romance, and shocking revelations. As Verena and Dacre navigate a dangerous world, they must confront their complicated feelings for each other and decide who they can trust.

I had originally rated this book 5-stars, but after letting it sit and percolate a bit, I am bumping that down to 4. The predictability of both the storyline and dialogue were slightly off-putting. I mean, I saw that ending coming so it wasn’t this huge cliffhanger or reveal. Despite Dacre’s minimal character development, I was really disappointed to see that Verena was still making frustratingly stupid decisions. I mean, the whole trusting Eiran thing - really, girl?! This book was also super short in my opinion - and while it was a fast read (I read it in literally one sitting), I wished Renee would have spent some more time teasing out Dacre’s journey to repentance. Like, make him work for that forgiveness!

Despite these minor flaws, I did really enjoy the book. I appreciated the dual-POV and the push and pull of Dacre and Verena’s tension-filled relationship. I do think that Renee has the potential of making book three really incredible if she buffs up the character development (I would love to see Verena really come into her own with her powers).  Overall, a fun, romantasy read that I will likely re-read in the near future!

Book Review: "Illusion of Stars" by Sarah Marie Page

Sarah Marie Page’s “Illusions of Stars" is an intriguing fantasy novel from the first chapter! This debut novel features a masterful blend of fantasy, romance, and intrigue that will leave readers yearning for a sequel.

Our FMC Isabel is a royal physician on a windswept island whose world gets turned upside-down when it’s discovered that her best friend has been murdered. Doctor turned sleuth, Isabel begins looking for answers to her friend’s untimely death and  in the process discovers a cache of letters revealing a terrifying truth: the enemy kingdom has a devastating weapon they wish to release upon the realm. Seeking vengeance for her friend, Isabel infiltrates the enemy’s ranks, looking to woo Erik Lothgarson (the general’s son), gather information, and steal the weapon away. But as she plays spy, her black and white world turns gray and she finds herself under the enemy’s spell.

This book has plenty of tension and suspense. Page skillfully weaves together a complex tapestry of political intrigue, personal loss, and forbidden love. “Illusions of Stars" is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is perfect, balancing moments of heart-pounding action with quieter, character-driven scenes.

The world-building is impressive. From the tiny island to the raging neighboring kingdom, readers will find themselves transported to a place that feels both magical and ethereal. Page creates a rich and immersive fantasy world filled with unique cultures, magic systems, and political dynamics. 

Page does an excellent job with character development throughout the novel. Isabel, the determined and resilient protagonist, is a character readers can't help but root for. Her journey of growth and self-discovery is inspiring and relatable. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic Erik and the loyal Katrina, are equally well-developed, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The slow-burn romance between Isabel and Erik - while a delight to see unfold - was not the driving force of the novel, which I deeply appreciate.

“Illusion of Stars” immediately draws readers in with its richly developed world, compelling characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, romance, or both, this book delivers a delightful blend of adventure and emotion. And don’t worry—the spice level is steamy but tastefully done, with foreplay and build-up rather than explicit on-page scenes.

In summary, “Illusion of Stars” is a banter-filled fantasy with romantic aspects that will leave you eagerly awaiting the sequel. Sarah Marie Page’s elegant prose and engaging storytelling make this a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers tales and magical intrigue.

Book Review: “Metal Slinger” by Rachel Schneider

“Metal Slinger” by Rachel Schneider was such a surprise! I was a little trepidatious when I received the digital ARC and there was no cover art…and I put off reading this until the last possible moment. However, this turned out to be such a great story!

In a story that reminded me of “Water World” meets “Pirates of the Caribbean,” readers are introduced to Brynn - a sea-faring youngin’ whose entire community of Alaha was exiled to a life at sea. Living on a barge-like “island,” she’s trained as a young guard alongside her friend Messer and possible love interest Kai. As Brynn nears the end of her training, she is rewarded - along with the rest of her graduating class - a rare trip to the land market. At the market, Brynn has a chance encounter with the mysterious Acker - and things take off from there.

Schneider does an excellent job of world building - from the island at sea, to the market, to the dark forest and beyond, I was completely immersed in all that was Kenta! Fantasy novels are always hit and miss in this respect - too little and readers can’t imagine being there; too much and they get bogged down in details that quickly begin to take away from the actual story. But Schneider’s world-building is nothing short of spectacular, painting vivid images of the Alaha’s exile and the looming threat of rebellion.

What truly sets this book apart is its ability to blend intense action with deep emotional connections. Brynn’s encounters, especially with the enigmatic enemy soldier, Acker,  are fraught with tension and intrigue. Schneider seamlessly weaves magic into the narrative, making the fantastical elements feel both real and essential to the story.

The characters are richly developed, each with their own motivations and secrets - and secrets do they have! Brynn’s loyalty and courage are inspiring, and her internal struggles make her incredibly relatable. And the plot twist - WHAT?! I was not expecting THAT…and it was wonderful! Let’s just say this book will be a true enemies-to-lovers after that debacle. 

Schneider’s writing style is both engaging and accessible, making it easy to lose oneself in the story. The pacing is perfect, with just the right balance of action, romance, and suspense. “Metal Slinger” is a must-read for fans of fantasy who crave a story that is both thrilling and heartwarming.

In short, “Metal Slinger” is a masterful tale of magic, loyalty, and the complexities of the human heart. I can’t wait to see where Brynn’s journey takes her next!

Book Review: “Crown of Light and Shadows” by G.K. Derosa

“Crown of Light and Shadows” by G.K. Derosa is a fast-paced, enemies to lovers romantasy with all of my favorite tropes! This book would essentially be the result if “Hunger Games,” “Fourth Wing,” “Harry Potter” and “The School of Good and Evil” had a baby - a novel filled with death trials, dragon riders, sexy shadow daddies, rival schools of light and dark Fae, and magical menageries. 

Aelia Ravenwood was raised to believe she was a Kin - a human - that upon their 20th birthday are bound to a Fae for a life of servitude. However, much to her surprise, it’s revealed on her birthday that she’s been selected to attend the Conservatory of Luce in Feywood, a prestigious academy that spits out elite graduates that go on to become the king’s guard. Oh - and she’s supposedly a Light Fae (or at least, partially). She is whisked off to her new academic home by broody Professor Reign Darkthorn.

Aelia is thrown into a world where most everyone is looking out for themselves and their post-academic career as a king’s guard. With the exception of a good few - including Aelia’s new roommate, Rue - many of the Conservatory’s students hold prejudices against Aelia for being less than and weaker than the other Light Fae in attendance. Despite having challenge after challenge stacked against her and other students (and even her own teammates) trying to sabotage her tenure at the school, Aelia is stubborn, fierce, and unwilling to back down from adversity. 

With Reign’s help, Aelia meets each challenge of her trials head-on - even going as far as bonding with a dragon (an almost unheard of feat in academy history). She finds herself falling for the handsome, slightly older professor - whom we come to learn is a shadow daddy from the Court of Umbral Shadows, the Dark Fae academy across the river from the Conservatory. Despite a peace treaty between the two courts, tensions between the two schools are on the rise and a potential war looms in the not so distant future. 

I absolutely LOVED this book! While there are clear parallels between Derosa’s novel and some of the aforementioned best-sellers, this book’s storyline was unique. The world building was incredible and each scene made me wish I was there! I’m a sucker for a good student-teacher, forbidden relationship and while Aelia and Reign were not that far apart in age, I was all for the sparks flying between them. Reign is pivotal in Aelia’s growth and development and in discovering her true parentage in the novel. These two cannot stay away from each other, despite their best attempts - they are magnetic and I was here for all of Reign’s protective, “touch her and you die” vibes!

If you’re looking for a romantasy that reminds you of one of your favorites and leaves you with a cliffhanger that will have your jaw on the floor, check out G.K. Derosa’s latest.

Rating: 5/5 Stars