The Magician’s Daughter by H.G. Parry Fantasy * * * * Stars (Great!) Biddy (Bridget) was orphaned as an infant and raised by a mage on a magical island (Hy Brasil) that most people don’t believe exist. She’s seventeen now, and getting kind of antsy to leave her home and see what the rest of the world (ideally, London) is like. Rowan, the mage who took her in, keeps promising that he’ll take her there … Read more
A Door in the Dark by Scott Reintgen Fantasy * * * * Stars (Great!) Ren is a promising student of magic at Balmerick University, but she fails to attract the attention of any wealthy magical houses. On the way home for the holidays, Ren and 5 other students attempt to travel using the public waxway portal when somehow the magic goes wrong, wraps them all up, and casts them far away from their intended … Read more
Aru Shah and the Song of Death Pandava Quintet, book #2 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hindu Mythology Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Aru Shah and the Song of Death” by Roshani Chokshi is the second book in the “Pandava Quintet”. The series continues to follow Aru Shah and the Pandavas. This time, Aru Shah is accused of stealing the god of love’s bow and arrow, which causes all sorts … Read more
Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes Pandava Quintet, book #3 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hindu Mythology Science Fiction Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes” by Roshani Chokshi follows Aru and her friends as they continue their quest to stop the Sleeper, a villain threatening to destroy the world. This time, they must find the Tree of Wishes to gain a powerful wish … Read more
Aru Shah and the City of Gold Pandava Quintet, book #4 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hindu Mythology Romance Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) In “Aru Shah and the City of Gold” by Roshani Chokshi, Aru, and the Pandavas continue their quest to stop the Sleeper from destroying the world. They travel to the City of Gold, where they have to go through a series of challenges that lead … Read more
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi Fantasy Psychological Science Fiction Supernatural Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) The café Funiculi Funicula allows its patrons to travel back in time. By sitting in a particular seat in the café, you follow the stories of “The Lovers, “Husband and Wife,” “The Sisters,” or “Mother and Child.” Whether they travel back to convince their husband or try to reconnect with their lover with … Read more
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab Fantasy Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Adeline “Addie” LaRue makes a deal with a god to live forever, but she is forgotten by everyone she meets. Here begins her 300-year journey from France to several continents, history, and art, despite never physically making a mark. In 2014 she meets a man in a bookstore who can remember her name. (Published for … Read more
Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan Adventure Fantasy Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This series follows the adventures of Will, an orphan who is chosen as an apprentice Ranger, one of the skilled archers, trackers, and warriors of the King of Araluen. Will strives to keep the Kingdom safe from intruders. This book is an exceptional start to a thrilling series with vivid imagery, compelling character development, and impressive storytelling. … Read more
Lonely Castle in the Mirror (vol. 1) by Mizuki Tsujimura Fantasy Manga Mystery * * * * Stars (Great!) Kokoro was horribly bullied by some girls at her previous school. The experience has left her exhausted, anxious, and afraid. Although she is transferred to another school, Kokoro still feels sick every time she thinks about attending classes. What if the girls return? What if they hurt her? While she’s home sick (again) she notices something … Read more
Iron Widow Iron Widow #1 by Xiran Jay Zhao Dystopian Fantasy LGBTQ+ Romance Science Fiction Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) 18-year-old Zetian’s sister has just been killed during one of the fights against the plague of aliens that lurk outside the Great Wall. Her sister, like many others, was a concubine to a male mech pilot and her consciousness was sacrificed for the sake of the male pilot. Zetian vows to seek … Read more