Devoured by Jordan Stephanie Gray (Bitten book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Bitten, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Welcome back to the Wolf Queen’s Court.

Vanessa Hart is done being a victim. After the brutal winter massacre stole everything from her, she vows vengeance against her enemies once and for all—even if that means killing the boy she once loved...

Vanessa bides her time playing the role of a docile subject. But beneath her mask, she sharpens her powers, embracing the werewolf within while weaving a complicated web of lies, betrayals, and alliances to topple the throne.

Unfortunately, vengeance isn’t easy, and nothing in the Wolf Queen’s Court is ever as it seems. As the darkness of the castle bleeds into human society, it’s clear no one is safe. Cora’s vicious reign grows stronger by the day, Sinclair continues hiding deadly secrets, and Calix—the boy Vanessa might loathe most of all—is threatening her every plan.

With nowhere to run and no place to hide, Vanessa sheds the last of her humanity to play this lethal game of werewolves. And if she doesn’t win, the consequences will destroy her life—and the entire world as she knows it—forever.” - taken from Goodreads.

This was an incredible ending to this story. I don’t want to give too much away but the ending and epilogue were phenomenal. Book two was as good if not better than the beginning of the story.

Visit Jordan Stephanie Gray’s website.

Escape Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me - The New Republic/Series Two book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Watch Me & Release Me, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“James Anderson needs a new plan. He’s ready to make real moves to destroy the looming threats against their world, but no one is taking him seriously. James is tired of being underestimated by his own family. He wants five uninterrupted minutes alone with Rosabelle. He wants to kill Sebastian.

And he’s done waiting for permission.

Rosabelle Wolff needs to stick to the plan. Which means she needs to stay away from James and the dangerous feelings he brings out in her. When she’s near him she loses control, and she’ll need absolute control if she has any hope of convincing Sebastian—and through him, Klaus—that she’s still carrying out the original plan to destroy the rebel regime.

In the meantime, Warner needs to stay out of her business.

Aaron Warner Anderson is trying not to kill Rosabelle. They might be reluctant allies, but that doesn’t mean they get along. Every day is a new kind of hell for Warner. He’s worried about his wife; he’s worried about his world. He can’t decide what to do about James until he understands Rosabelle’s true motives—and when he’s finally delivered the answers he needs, the stakes prove astronomical. All roads lead to heartbreak and destruction, no matter what choice he makes.” - taken from Goodreads.

This book picks up immediately from the fall out at the end of the third book. James is trying to save Rosabelle from her past, even against her will. Rosabelle is determined that only she can save everyone from the Ark. Aaron doesn't trust Rosabelle because she is still keeping secrets. And he is beyond worried over Ella and her rapidly approaching due date.

What secrets is Rosabelle still hiding? Will Ella be ok and can Aaron survive whatever happens? Can James save Rosabelle from herself?

Great news for fans. This series has two more books planned. Dates to be determined.

Visit Tahereh Mafi's website.

Empire by Sabaa Tahir (Heir duology book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Heir, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first book.

“A crumbling empire.

An ancient evil.

A lost homeland.

A lie that could destroy the world.

In the crumbling Martial Empire, crown prince Quil Farrar and his aunt, Empress Helene, are losing a war against the vicious Kegari horde. Quil’s armies dwindle, his faith falters, and the woman he loves vanished months ago, leaving him brokenhearted. Torn between his duty to his people and his desire to discover Sirsha’s fate, Quil embarks on a dangerous quest for aid—from the most treacherous of allies.

Sirsha Westering finds herself tethered to Div, an ancient evil unleashed by a terrible tragedy. Div delights in tormenting Sirsha, hungering for her magical heart. Even as Sirsha struggles for control of her own fate, she is desperate to shield Quil from Div’s destructive power. But Div won’t release Sirsha without a fight. To earn her freedom, Sirsha must uncover Div’s past—and face horrors in her own.

Cero bet-Dafra, former right hand of the Kegari leader, Aiz, now finds himself pitted against her. As Aiz slips further into violence and delusion, Cero must discover if his people have any hope of a future or if they’re condemned to an unending cycle of violence. His journey will force him to confront hidden truths, ancient secrets, and a lie that could destroy the world.” - taken from Goodreads.

Wow! The conclusion of this duology back in the world of Ember in the Ashes blew me away. I don’t wait to give anything away but readers are treated to a brief recap of Heir in the beginning. It did take me a little bit to get my head wrapped around the story again with the multiple POV. This book did break me before the surprising ending which does leave the door open for more stories from this world.

Visit Sabaa Tahir’s website.

The River She Became by Emily Varga (River & Salt book 1)

“I’m going across the River. And I’m going to save us all.

Yaseema is a brilliant scholar and loyal servant of the Empire—or so they think. By day, she catalogs the fae relics of her conquered kingdom. But by night, she reclaims the artefacts in secret to restore magic to her dying land.

Until she finds the long lost key to cross the River into the fae world and save her people. But a ruthless realm awaits her there, ruled by monsters wearing beautiful skin—especially the cold-eyed captain who sees through her lies. But even he isn’t what he seems—under the guise of upholding a cruel regime, he works to overthrow it from the inside. To succeed, he needs the same lost relic Yaseema seeks: the crown of an ancient Fae Queen.

With magic that is a mystery even to her, Yaseema can help him find the crown and save his family from a fate worse than death. Unless she steals it first to help her own.

To survive, they must work together to outwit ancient curses, battle creatures born of nightmares, and find a power that could resurrect their worlds. But as secrets unravel and loyalties blur, they face the greatest danger of losing their heart to each other.” - taken from Goodreads.

Yaseema and her family are trapped in the Empire, starving as Fae objects are taken from the land and the magic is slowly disappearing. Determined to put a stop to it, she steals artifacts for safekeeping from the Empire during her work as an archivist. When she is discovered stealing a prize piece of jewelry, she must leave her family behind. She is able to escape when she passes through the barrier in the river into the land of Fae.

Kiyan is a prince in hiding. The Court of Water has been taken over by the Court of Salt and the royal family has been trapped inside of a mountain. Working behind the scenes to help the rebel cause, Kiyan has one hope to rescue his trapped family, the lost crown of a fae Queen. Discovering Yaseema by the river, he saves her from a deadly creature and becomes fascinated by the strange human who has entered the land of the fae. 

It turns out both Kiyan and Yaseema are looking for the same relic but for completely different reasons. Can the two of them learn to trust one another in order to work together?

With a heartstopping ending, readers will be awaiting book two, TBD.

Visit Emily Varga’s website.

All We Hunger For by Anna Mercier

“In Anespérer, where magic comes alive through artistic skill, Elara Rousseau knows she'll never be selected for the Objet d’Art. The high-stakes baking competition will elect a new Souverain to join the ruling council, and someone from the slums would never be considered. But when a brooding figure from her past sneaks her into the Objet, Elara has the chance to compete for a better future... as long as no one uncovers her traitorous secret.

Nikolas Dupont will do whatever it takes to impress his powerful father, a Souverain who hasn't officially recognized his son―like handpick a contestant to win and become his father's political pawn. But Elara is more than he bargained for, and she ignites his own subdued passions.

Against all odds, Elara excels and becomes a hero to the city's poor, all while Nik’s faith in his father crumbles and the sparks between them burn brighter. As the competition heats up, Elara and Nik must choose: fight to win the competition and secure a future of safety for them both, or use the power of Elara’s art to spark a revolution.” - taken from Goodreads.

I don't watch a lot of cooking shows but I feel like this could be like the Great British bake off or chopped but with higher stakes. Elara, the daughter of an executed revolutionary leader is given the opportunity to compete to become one of the next leaders of the kingdom. There under false pretenses, Elara soon finds herself sponsored by Nikolas who is trying to impress his powerful father. When her magical cooking abilities thrushed her into the spotlight, she and Nik find themselves at the center of a new revolution where their safety is on the line.

With a slow burn romance between Elara and Nik, readers will find themselves rooting for the two to ignite a change.

Visit Anna Mercier’s website.

Queen of Faces by Petra Lord (Queen of Faces book 1)

“A desperate girl at a cutthroat magical academy faces a choice between life and death: become an assassin for the enchanted elite or watch her decaying body draw its last breath.

Anabelle Gage is trapped in a male body, and it’s rotting from the inside out. In Caimor, where the magical elite buy and swap designer bodies like clothes, Ana can’t afford to escape her tattered form. When she fails the entrance exam to the prestigious Paragon Academy, her last hope of earning a new body implodes. As the clock ticks down to her last breath, she’s forced to use her illusion magic to steal a healthy chassis—before her own kills her.

But Ana is caught by none other than the headmaster of Paragon Academy, who poses a brutal ultimatum: face execution for her crime or become a mercenary at his command. Revolt brews in Caimor's smog-choked underworld, and the wealthy and powerful will stop at nothing to take down the rebels and the infamous dark witch at their helm, the Black Wraith.

With no choice but to accept, Ana will steal, fight, and kill her way to salvation. But her survival depends on a dangerous band of an impulsive assassin, a brooding bombmaker, and an alluring exile who might just spell her ruin. As Ana is drawn into a tangled web of secrets, the line between villain and hero shatters—and Ana must decide which side is worth dying for.” - taken from Goodreads.

This book had a very unique premise and that people can swap their physical bodies. The wealthy can afford it while everyone else is at the mercy of their wallets. Anabelle Gage is stuck in a mediocre male body that is dying and she is unable to procure a new one without stealing it. Caught, she soon finds herself at the mercy of Paragon Academy's headmaster. Either she dies or becomes his assassin and does his dirty work.

What happens next is a story full of dark academia and not one character who isn’t flawed, some much more than others. Leading to the ultimate showdown not knowing who will live or die, an ending that no one sees coming will leave readers anticipating book two, King of Masks, is due out February 9, 2027.

Visit Petra Lord’s website.

Her Hidden Fire by Cliodhna O’Sullivan (Her Hidden Fire book 1)

“If he has the ability to wield magical powers, everyone will rejoice – especially the girl who loves him.
But what happens when they realize she has the gift?

In a world where dragons stalk the skies and magical abilities are an elite privilege, the ruling family of Ailm’s Keep is on a knife. Can Ionain, the heir apparent, channel magic, or will the family be cast out and replaced by a cruel master from a neighbouring land?

So when Éadha, a servant girl who loves Ionainain, discovers that she can draw power, she finds herself in grave danger. It’s extremely rare for a girl to have this talent, and certainly never outside the great families. At Ionain’s moment of truth, Éadha makes a desperate gamble to save him, Ailm’s Keep, and ultimately herself.

As Éadha and Ionain enter a whirlwind of patriarchy, class, heartache and jealousy, they learn about power’s terrible cost – a price others willingly pay to maintain theirs.

How far would you go to empower the one you love?” - taken from Goodreads.

Éadha as a servant at Ailm’s Keep. Most of her life she has been the friend of her crush, Ionain. Approaching their 17th birthdays. The time has come to determine if Ionain possesses the magic to keep his family from being disgraced and losing the Keep. Unfortunately he doesn't but Éadha does. To keep from being discovered that she possesses magic, she passes some of her power to Ionain to keep from being humiliated. But once she does, Éadha must keep up the farce to save them both.

Traveling to the Lambay Islands to train, Éadha is able to go along because it is discovered what little magic she has allows her to be a Keeper. Thrown into a world she doesn't fit into, Éadha must figure out a way to keep her magic hidden in order to keep herself safe while supplying Ionain enough power unknowingly to keep his lack of magic from being discovered. But soon she needs a cruel classmate who is out to destroy her while another who has more than a casual interest in her.

Can Éadha keep all of her secrets from being found out? And who can she really trust in the cutthroat world she suddenly finds herself in?

With a climatic ending, readers will be eager to read book two, Her Rising Flame, due out November 5, 2026.

Visit Cliodhna O’Sullivan’s website.

Thorn Season by Keira Azar (Thorn Season book 1)

“In the Kingdom of Daradon, a persecuted few are Wielders, in possession of a magical Spectre–a shimmering thread that can extend beyond their visible body to give a loving caress, pick a lock . . . even kill. Feared for this ability, Wielders have always been Hunted.

Alissa Paine, heiress and daughter of a Hunter family . . . is also a Wielder. At eighteen, Alissa knows she’s escaped execution thus far only due to painful self-control and the efforts of her beloved father.

Summoned to the harsh and glittering royal court for the debutante season, Alissa finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal—and caught between two equally dangerous one a brutal ruler with the handsome face of a fairy-tale prince, who would destroy her if he knew the truth—and the other a beguiling foreign ambassador with secret agendas of his own.

With the threat of discovery lurking around every corner—and romance becoming an increasingly dangerous temptation—Alissa will find that she has more to lose than her secrets. It’s Rose Season at the palace, but to survive she’ll need to become the most vicious of thorns. ..”- taken from Goodreads.

Alissa is hiding a secret, one that carries a death sentence. She is a Wielder with magical thread-like abilities. Her father and his family are Hunters, tasked with eradicating Wielders from the kingdom of Daradon. Determined to stop any more Wielder deaths, she arrives at the Palace of King Erik for the upcoming Rose Season, which is like presenting the coming-of-age ladies of the Kingdom. This year. King Erik is using this time to find a wife and soon sets his sights on Alissa, which is not a good thing 

To make matters worse, there is a visitor to the palace from a neighboring kingdom, ambassador Keil. Keil also takes an interest in Alissa. He also turns out to be a Wielder and is looking for the same thing as Alissa, the magical compass that detects Wielders that the hunters have lost. As the Rose Season progresses, the more danger that Alissa finds herself in without knowing who she can trust. 

With an unresolved ending that sets up the next book in the series, readers will be anxiously awaiting the next book, Sharpest Court, due out Nov. 3, 2026.

Visit Keira Azar’s website.

Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray (Bitten book 1)

“After a vicious werewolf attack on the night of her seventeenth birthday party, Vanessa Hart loses everything she loves in a split second. Her best friend, her father, and even her home.

Bitten and imprisoned without explanation, Vanessa endures an agonizing transformation into the very beast that maimed her, and her captors make it clear she cannot escape: she will either 

swear her life to the Wolf Queen’s Court, or she will die.

With no other choice, Vanessa joins their enchanted Castle Severi—where flowering vines grow through the walls, gifts are bestowed by the stars, and a claw can break through skin as easily as silk—but she hasn’t forgotten what they stole from her.

Vanessa still seeks vengeance, scheming in the shadows even as she finds herself mesmerized by the golden prince Sinclair Severi, who threatens to steal her heart though he is promised to her nemesis. And by his brooding, disgraced cousin, Calix, whose smoldering gaze hides even darker secrets. Immersed in the magic of their whimsical yet cruel society, Vanessa soon learns not all is as it seems.

The Court is at war, and she may simply be a pawn in its lethal game. - taken from Goodreads.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. One night on the beach for a party changes everything for Vanessa. Her best friend is murdered, she is bitten by an unknown werewolf, and her father turns her over to the Wolf Queen's Court without question. Thrown into a world she previously didn’t know existed, Vanessa soon discovers that the world of werewolves isn’t very forgiving on an unwanted addition. Determined to find out who killed her friend and bit her, Vanessa soon discovers that she isn’t sure who she can trust. With a dramatic reveal at the end, readers will be clamoring for the next book in the series.

The story concludes with book two, Devoured, out on October 6, 2026.

Visit Jordan Stephanie Gray’s website.

Better in Black by Cassandra Clare (Shadowhunter Chronicles book 22)

The Good Storm  Tessa and Will Herondale are on their honeymoon in Paris, after the events of The Infernal Devices. 

The Beautiful Ajatara 

Cordelia and James Herondale as well as Cordelia’s parabatai/James’s sister Lucy are tricked into thinking Lucie’s unfinished story will be published. The demon Ajatara 

Who the Wolves Love 

Luke Garroway writes a love letter to Jocelyn Fray while she is in a coma in The Mortal Instruments series. 

Zachary’s Day Out 

Alistair Carstairs and Thomas Lightwood have been living together for a year now and they are recruited into babysitting Alistair’s 18-month-old brother Zachary. 

The Judgment of King Kieran

It’s been a while since I read The Dark Artifices, so I had forgotten Kieran, Mark, and Cristina’s little love triangle: King Kieran and his two consorts. Mark and Cristina are summoned to the Unseelie Court where Kieran is tasked with choosing the next Lord of All Storms as the previous one was slain

A Surfeit of Annas 

In this story, Anna Lightwood and Ariane (Ari) Bridgestock deal with challenges to their relationship in the aftermath of the events in The Last Hours a year ago. 

Bred in the Bone 

Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn encounter an “Endarkened” version of Emma from the alternate timeline of Thule. 

City of Broken Hearts 

Simon Lewis and Isabelle Lightwood investigate the actions of the jilted greater demon named Ajatara

The Time of Two 

Jace and Clary set out to find Max Trueblood, Jace‘s adoptive mother Maryse Lightwood’s brother. 

Too Wise to Love 

Nene, a faerie who vows to never love anyone, tells us this “faerie tale”. This is Ash Morgansternś origin story.

Visit Cassandra Clare’s website.

Visit Shadowhunters.com

Storm Breaker by Nisha J. Tuli (Storm Breaker book 1)

“For nineteen-year-old Poet Graves, New Manhattan has always promised safety―if she obeys. Raised within the ruling Houses and betrothed to a powerful heir, she enters Amery Academy knowing her future has already been decided.

But Amery is nothing like she imagined. Its trials are brutal, its loyalties conditional, and its rules designed to expose weakness. As Poet struggles to survive, she must hide the truth that could get her executed: the storms don’t fear her―they answer back.

When a dangerous outsider from beyond the city walls enters the academy, Poet is drawn to him despite everything she’s been taught to believe. He threatens the life she’s been promised. And choosing him could cost her not just her future, but her freedom.” - taken from Goodreads.

This book has all of the things that I am looking for in a great story and is the perfect mashup of The Hunger Games and Divergent. Poet is hiding a secret that will get her killed if it is discovered. Determined to get out from under her father’s control, she soon discovers that her choices have far reaching consequences that she never imagined. When the mysterious outsider Rook becomes the one person she thinks she can trust, turns out to be hiding secrets of his own, Poet makes the decision that she hopes will save her life. With plenty of romance, mystery, and intrigue, readers will be left waiting on the next book after a true cliffhanger ending.  Definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year!

Book two is expected to be out on Sept. 1, 2026.

Visit Nisha J. Tuli’s website.

To Steal a Throne by Gabi Burton

“Her magic feeds on lies.

His magic could destroy her.

Mira Kyler runs the court of Virdei from the shadows. Ever since she helped her half-brother Luc cheat his way into the role of Virdei's leader, she's used her lie-powered magic to collect secrets from members of court, then used them as blackmail to keep her brother in power.

But when newcomer Kaidren Vale shows up and challenges Luc's leadership, he threatens the stability Mira has worked so hard for. Kaidren also has magic-magic that can detect the precise nature of someone else's power with a single touch. If Kaidren so much as brushes against her, everyone will discover that Mira is the one who's been manipulating the court for years.

As Kaidren and Luc compete in three deadly challenges called The Trials, Mira realizes that no matter who wins, she'll be stuck serving a mediocre man who doesn't deserve to be in charge. She's done hiding in the shadows. She wants power of her own.

To get it, she'll have to betray both her own brother and Kaidren-but the fiercer the competition gets, the more Mira realizes that the one boy who could destroy everything is the one boy she might not be able to resist.” - taken from Goodreads.

This book sucked me right in and didn’t let me go until the last page. Mira has always been overlooked by everyone because of her scandalous birth and second class citizenship. Except when it comes to her hidden magical talents that keep her brother as the leader of the realm. When an upstart newcomer decides to challenge her brother as leader, Mira decides that she no longer wants to be controlled by others. But soon feelings for Kaidren begin to get in her way. What happens at the ending will completely take the reader by surprise and will leave them waiting for more.

After that ending, there has to be a second book on the horizon.

Visit Gabi Burton’s website.

A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J Spann

“The gods are dead. All that’s left are the Players…

The performers of the Playhouse are as worshipped as they are feared, their enchanting shows bending hearts, minds, and even reality itself. Vicious, godlike, lethal. Eighteen-year-old Riven Hesper knows the dangers better than anyone, after her own encounter with a Player resulted in a curse that is slowly killing her.

When the Playhouse announces the spectacle of a lifetime—a chance for one mortal to steal a Player’s immortality—Riven sees her last chance to live. Desperate for answers, she infiltrates the competition. There, she finds Jude, the Playhouse’s brilliant, merciless Lead Player, whose charm is as dangerous as his Craft, and strikes a deadly bargain to save her life.

But with time running out and the Playhouse’s secrets unraveling into a disturbing picture, Riven faces a grim possibility: she might not be the hero of her story after all. In fact, she may be the villain.

Because the Playhouse doesn’t just tell stories. It rewrites them.

And Riven’s might end in blood.” - taken from Goodreads.

This book has such a unique premise and format that worked together perfectly. With a plot line that revolves around actors and their theater, it was refreshing to see this book set up like a play itself with acts and scenes instead of chapters. The last half of the book really picked up the pace of the story leading to a shocking but satisfying ending.

Visit Shannon J Spann’s website.

The Beasts We Raise by D.L. Taylor (The Broken Citadel book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Beasts We Bury, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Newly-appointed Prime Mancella is desperate to keep the peace within her realm and within herself. Having recently acquired the power to physically split into separate versions of herself, her identity is beginning to fracture―along with her land, which is on the brink of war. The only semblance of normalcy in her life is her budding romance with thief-turned-confidant, Silver. . . at least until the mysterious Prime Reltas arrives at her doorstep asking, or rather demanding, her hand in marriage.

If Mance wants to avoid a fight that will devastate her realm, she’ll have to consider the proposal. Even if it destroys Silver. But Mance isn't ready to give up just yet. Desperate to free herself from the betrothal, Mance must seek allyship from other Primes and learn to control her new magic. If she fails, her decision to refuse Reltas's proposal will implode the delicate state of affairs across the realms, setting off a catastrophic war―and shatter two hearts in the process.” - taken from Goodreads.

Even though this is the second and final book in the duology, this book reads like a separate story in which you already know all of the characters. This volume contains the POV of both Silver and Mance, as well as four different personalities that Mance can split off with the magic she claimed from her cousin. It is a race against time for everyone as Mance tries to keep from an arranged marriage as well as keep peace between the other Primes. A great ending to the story.

Visit D.L. Taylor’s website.

The Thorn Queen by Sasha Peyton Smith (The Rose Bargain book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Rose Bargain, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Wed to one brother.
In love with the other.

Having won the hand of the faerie King Bram, Ivy is now Queen of England.

But with his ascension to the throne, Bram unleashed the fae into the human world. After hundreds of years of being kept from their favorite playthings, the Others are looking to make up for lost time—and they do, with wicked revelry that sweeps through the country.

To survive, Ivy acts the sweet, devoted wife. Behind the smile, she plots to banish her husband, save her sister Lydia, and reunite with the love of her life, Emmett.

Yet Emmet and Lydia are trapped in the Otherworld, where fae games are deadlier than ever—and a queen must play most viciously of all. Or see herself dethroned.” - taken from Goodreads.

Even though the first book in this duology ended in a cliffhanger, this book was a bit slow to start. Without giving too much away, Ivy, Lydia, and Emmett must find a way to get out from under Bram’s cruel reign of not only England but the Otherworld. The epilogue to the story was great, without giving too much away, I wish it hadn’t been so one sided.

Visit Sasha Peyton Smith’s website.

The Rebel and the Rose by Catherine Doyle (City of Fantome book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Dagger and the Flame, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“From a remote hilltop haven, far from the city of Fantome, Seraphine Marchant and her Order of Flames plot to eradicate shade magic with lightfire. But as Sera struggles to control her blooming powers, destiny calls her back to Fantome—and to the assassin who haunts her dreams.

Ransom Hale can’t get Sera out of his head. As their rivalry grows and he grapples with the responsibility of leading the Order of Daggers, he feels himself slipping further from who he wants to be. Is he doomed to a life in the shadows? Or can he forge another path?

Meanwhile, rebellion is stirring in the kingdom, and a dangerous prince grows in power. Forced to work together by order of the king, Sera and Ransom’s conflicted hearts are tested to their limits. And all the while, an ancient prophecy is unfolding that will change the fate of Valterre forever…” - taken from Goodreads.

OK, I went into this massive book of 500+ pages thinking that it would wrap up the story. Boy was I wrong. The action is never ending as the author brings our main characters together in the beginning while setting up for what should be an epic showdown to wrap up this series.

Book three is to be determined. UGH!

Visit Catherine Doyle’s website.

The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi

“To find love is a curse ...

Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdom’s heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally.

Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris's parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Amidst glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream trees and pearl crocodiles, tea time on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him…or lust for power.

Until he meets Demelza.

As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.

While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life, but find the courage to chase a life worth living.” - taken from Goodreads.

This story is best summed up as The Bachelor set in a fairy tale. Arris must marry but he hopes to avoid the fate of his grandfather and other descendants. He wishes to live a full first life before his second life, and when he becomes a tree. For Arris, marriage means murder at the hands of his wife. When Demelza unexpectedly shows up to the competition, she offers Arris her truth-seeking abilities as a veritas swan to keep him safe from a murderous bride. As the competition heats up, what happens when true love begins to develop?

Visit Roshani Chokshi’s website.

Sparking Fire Out of Fate by Brigid Kemmerer (Forging Silver Into Stars book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the Forging Silver Into Stars series, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the final for you.

“Callyn has grown closer to Queen Lia Mara in Syhl Shallow, bonded by the secret magic they share. But their magic can stay hidden only so long, especially when a dangerous plot on the Queen's life forces Callyn to work with the man who betrayed her.

In Emberfall, Tycho and Jax are struggling to rebuild their connection after months apart, complicated when they learn of Truthbringers causing trouble at the borders. Sent to investigate together, Jax and Tycho soon discover that the rebellious faction has formed a devil's bargain with the magical scravers to destroy human magic once and for all.

When their missions bring them together, Tycho, Jax, and Callyn find themselves facing threats from all sides. With one last chance to save their magic and their kingdoms, they must work together, or lose everything.

War has erupted. Love is tested. And without sacrifice, magic could destroy everyone . . .” - taken from Goodreads.

This was the thrilling conclusion to what was essentially a six book series starting with A Curse So Dark and Lonely. Although we see a couple of characters from the first book make an appearance, this book focuses on our favorites from the last three books. A great ending for our characters but I would have liked to see a little bit more from Callyn at the end.

Visit Brigid Kemmerer’s website.

A Curious Kind of Magic by Mara Rutherford

 

Everyone in Ardmuir knows that Willow Stokes is a charlatan, including Willow herself. Her father's shoppe hasn't sold anything magical in decades, and it's only hanging on by the skin of the fake dragon's teeth Willow sells as charms, along with “enchanted” ostrich eggs, taxidermied chimeras, and talismans made of fools' gold.

Until outlander Brianna Hargrave appears and turns Willow's fakes into exactly what they're purported to be. But try as Willow might to enlist Bri's help, she wants nothing to do with Willow and her curiosities.

Because Brianna is harboring a secret of her own: everything she touches turns to magic, and the consequences have chased her all the way to Ardmuir. All she wants to do is find a particular missing grimoire, which contains a spell that can finally put an end to her curse.

Desperate to keep her father's shoppe, Willow proposes a bargain that could save them both. Together with the frustratingly handsome printer's assistant, the girls will uncover a plot that goes far deeper than either could have imagined. But when Willow is forced to participate in an ambitious collector's quest for the rarest magical object in the world-a quest that risks almost-certain death-she learns that not all treasure is for sale, and that true magic is closer than she ever could have imagined.”- taken from Goodreads.

This was a fantastical quest full of mystery, magic, friendship, and romance. Willow Stokes inherited her father’s shop full of nonmagical objects and debt upon his sudden death. She can barely keep her head above water and doesn’t really let anyone into her life, including Finlay, who wants Willow’s heart. When a stranger arrives in town who claims to be cursed with magic, Willow sees a way out of her situation. If she can convince Brianna to help her sell her “magical” items in her shop, she will help her find a cure for her curse. Can these two girls work together to solve each other’s problems or will Willow find a way to sabotage herself again?

Visit Mara Rutherford’s website.

A Fate So Cold by Amanda Foody & C.L. Herman (A Fate So Cold book 1)

“For most of the year, Summer reigns peacefully over Alderland. Then, for six brutal weeks, Winter rages, obliterating towns and wreaking casualties. Magicians bond with powerful wands of Summer to defend the nation, a duty that costs many their lives.

Domenic Barrow never wanted such responsibility―but destiny hasn’t granted him a choice. The greatest Summer wand has awakened for the first time in a century, warning that an icy cataclysm looms on the horizon. And despite his reputation as the least suited of his classmates, the wand Chooses Domenic to wield it.

Ellery Caldwell spent years striving to be a perfect Summer magician―and burying her fears of her own power. But her worst suspicions are proven true when she accidentally creates the first ever Winter wand.

Now, as the unprecedented Chosen Two, Domenic and Ellery must thwart the oncoming cataclysm together. And in trying to fulfill their destinies, they wonder if they were brought together for a second fate: to fall in love.

Until they discover the unthinkable truth. The Chosen Two aren’t fated allies, but eternal rivals, and the only way to save their home is for one of them to slay the other.

This is no love story. It's a tragedy.” - taken from Goodreads.

The first book in a unique duology, this opening story begins the tale of two magicians who are brought together by a horrific fate that sets them at odds against their wills. In the battle of summer versus winter, two unlikely champions have been chosen. For Dominic and Ellery, it seems like kismet has brought them together. As they join forces to battle winter from completely taking over summer, they soon realize that in order to win, only one of them can be standing at the end.

Beautiful storytelling, vivid scenes, and a heartbreaking romance that places during the heat of battle, readers will be left hanging over what’s to come in this story’s conclusion.

Book two is due out in 2026.

Visit Amanda Foody’s website.

Visit C.L. Herman’s website.