Book Review: “I’ve Watched You Die” by Karina Banks

“I’ve Watched You Die” by Karina Banks is a coming of age, young adult romance that was surprisingly well-written for a debut novel.

Daniella “Dani” Price has had visions most of her life. Traumatic, violent visions of deaths before they occur, often involving nightmarish monsters. Despite seeking counseling and being on a myriad of medications to curb her nightmares, they’ve been getting worse.

When one of her nightmares becomes reality on the way home from school one day, she’s surprised to come face-to-face with the teen boy who’s been starring in her nightmares. Desperate to help him after he’s hit by a car, Dani miraculously saves his life only to have him mysteriously vanish from the hospital and ambulance records. 

Later, Dani and Ryker Forsetta, her mystery boy, officially meet and are drawn to each other like magnets. On the night of senior prom, Dani learns that the nightmarish monsters that have donned the pages of her sketchbook for years are actually real, as she and Ryker narrowly escape a draug (monster creature) attack at her school. Ryker takes her back to his elite school and introduces her to others who are like her - Legacies, as they’re called - and Ravenborn, their sworn protectors.

Dani’s time at Forsetta Academy sees her trying to figure out which demigod she’s descended from, along with the help from some new friends. She begins to fall for Ryker, despite continued nightmares where she sees his death during his bonding ceremony with his chosen Ravenborn. 

I absolutely loved the budding romance between Dani and Ryker. Despite the obstacles placed in front of them, Ryker doesn’t let anyone stand in his way when it comes to Dani. And the slow burn between them throughout was grueling! (Like their energy with each other is so much that they literally can’t unless they want to attract all the monsters!) I’m hoping to see more of that development in the next book.

I also appreciated the friendships that Dani sustained throughout the story. Dani didn’t just abandon her best friend, Ava, when she transferred to Forsetta - she brought Ava and her sleuthing skills into the fold. Despite being completely oblivious to her heritage before Forsetta, Dani makes friends that help her along her journey in finding out who she truly is. 

I would love to see some more character development of the secondary characters in the next book - like I need more about Zelik, Olivia, and whatever is going on between Zelik and Dani’s roommate, Beth! 

The story ends with a major revelation and cliffhanger that had me reeling. Like, I KNEW it was coming because of the hints dropped throughout, but it had me by the throat! I cannot wait for the next book to come out!

This was a great debut novel by Karina Banks and I look forward to reading more from the Academy for Gods and Freaks series!

Book Review: “A Fate Inked in Blood” by Danielle L. Jensen

“A Fate Inked in Blood” by Danielle L. Jensen is a Norse/viking inspired fantasy romance. Readers are introduced to Freya, a unhappily married 20-something-year-old who dreams of becoming a warrior, rather than the abused, fish monger’s wife that she currently plays. Her dreams of becoming a warrior are thrust upon her after she is betrayed by her slimy husband to the local jarl. In order to keep her loved ones safe, Freya must become that which she has kept a secret her entire life - born with the blood of a god and imbued with magical capabilities, she is the prophesied shield-maiden that will unite Skaland.

Believing that Freya will be his “king maker” and that he is destined to rule all of Skaland, Jarl Snorri binds Freya through a blood oath, while simultaneously ordering his son, Bjorn, to protect Freya with his life. Tensions run high between Freya and Bjorn, as Freya must learn to fight and command her powers like the warrior she is to become. (Tell me you see where this is going!) 

I absolutely loved the chemistry between Freya and Bjorn. It was definitely slow burn for most of the book, but the constant flirting, banter, and “touch her and you die vibes” helped sustain me until we got to something more substantial between the two characters! 

I appreciated Freya’s character development too. She is in no way the “perfect heroine” and learns a lot as she begins to fulfill her role as a shield maiden. Freya is fierce and driven to make choices that constantly put others' well-being before her own - including that of her unappreciative family members. Despite this, Freya endures and remains altruistic despite the ungratefulness. Toward the end of the book, we see her start coming into her own and fighting for what she truly wants (hint: it’s the handsome Bjorn!)   

This was the first novel I’ve read by Danielle L. Jensen and it blew me away. I absolutely loved the way she painted her scenes with such vivid wordsmithing. And despite the book being 430+ pages, I easily devoured it in less than two days - it was THAT good! The book ended with some deep revelations (I wouldn’t necessarily call it a “cliff-hanger,” but it definitely had cliff-hanger vibes) that sets up what’s in store for Freya, Bjorn, and the rest of Skaland in Book 2. I cannot wait to read the sequel!