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"Phantasma" by Kaylie Smith

"Phantasma" is a dark romance set in pre-modern century New Orleans, where an old and infamous game shows up to be played. Naturally, our narrator enters the game and we discover the twists and darkness that Phantasma promises... sort of.

Ophelia - our narrator, older sister to Genevieve, and next in line to uphold Grimm manor's legacy - finds herself unprepared to take on her inheritance as she's thrust into becoming the matriarch necromancer of New Orleans. As Ophelia tries to uncover secrets her mother left behind, she discovers that Genevieve may not be the person Ophelia once thought she was. In an attempt to uncover whatever Genevieve is hiding - and attempt to protect her from harm - Ophelia enters into Phantasma, the deadly game hosted by a mysterious devil, where some people don't even make it out alive.

During her time in Phantasma, Ophelia meets dangerous people, uncovers questions to answers she didn't ask, and never stops worrying about her sister. She befriends Blackwell, a cryptic phantom who recruits Ophelia to assist him in uncovering his own mysteries that exist inside the halls of Phantasma, in exchange for her protection. Ophelia and Blackwell set about helping each other as she progresses through Phantasma's game, and gets closer to finding her sister. Blackwell quickly becomes someone that Ophelia trusts, and they create an intimacy that transcends the game they're set in - for good or for bad.

CAUTION: SPOILERS AHEAD

"Phantasma" is permeated with several twists and turns, keeping me, as the reader, curious and questioning - "what is really going on?" However, I felt that some of the story was predictable and familiar. At some points, "Phantasma" felt so much like "Caraval" that it was almost as if I was reading a different version of the same plot lines (missing sister/romance between narrator as the player and the game character/game character's deeper involvement with the game than previously understood). And the more I read, the more popped out at me. I'm not saying it is necessarily bad. I loved "Caraval," but I wish "Phantasma" was slightly more original.

I have some other dislikes about this book: the fact that all Ophelia talked about the entire book was her inheritance of becoming a necromancer, yet the power she exhibited had nothing to do with traditional necromancy. We never once see her use traditional necromancy; ~ the fact that Ophelia enters this competition in an attempt to find her sister, knowing that the competition is deadly, and finding out she wouldn't even have the opportunity to lay eyes on Genevieve until the last two levels of the competition. If something was going to happen to Genevieve, it would have happened whether Ophelia was also in the competition or not. She had no power over keeping her sister safe. It made absolutely no sense to me.; ~ the fact that Ophelia was so worried about Grim Manor being repossessed, but instead of dealing with that, she runs off to put herself in danger; ~ the fact that this book is advertised as a "dark romance," yet there is nothing very dark about this romance. I've read actual dark romances and this is... not it. It's more of a paranormal romance, where evil exists within the story. The game itself is a bit gory and horrific, but almost every interaction between Ophelia and Blackwell were pretty standard for what you expect in a romantasy. ~ The romance between Ophelia and Blackwell seemed very unnatural. And not just because she is a human and he is a phantom. Their intimate moments were misplaced for the setting and timing. Instead of worrying about Ophelia's LIFE, they were worried about having sex in a dungeon where they just escaped acid rain. I also cannot take romances where the love interests are so back and forth - "we shouldn't do this! But I can't stay away!" Either stop doing the dangerous thing or buck up and own it.

Maybe I just read this book at the wrong time in my life, but it read very juvenile to me. Ophelia was careless, but somehow got all the way through the competition. Instead of befriending anyone within the competition and gaining an ally, she ignored everyone and mainly interacted with the devils, demons, and ghosts - you know, the ones who were setting the game up against her. She was so ineffectively worried about her sister. It seemed like Kaylie Smith was attempting to write a story in a roundabout way without owning the story she was actually trying to write. I don't know. Maybe I'm too critical today, but that's my take.

I did enjoy the plot twist at the end. It was very enlightening as you see how most things in the book tie together. But like I said, I feel like this could've been written differently to tell the story the author was actually trying to tell.

I probably will not be reading the second book, "Enchantra." But maybe so if someone changes my mind.

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"Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross

"Divine Rivals" is probably my favorite fantasy read I've had in a long time.

"Divine Rivals" is the first installment in a duology that gets better with every turn of the page.

CAUTION: SPOILERS AHEAD

This story tells us, through the third person, about Iris Winnow, who is in the throws of the roughest part of her life. She is desperate and poor and willing to do anything to speak to her brother, who seems to be her lifeline in a war-torn world. She hasn't spoken to her brother since he was conscripted into the army several years prior. Though, through some divine magic of her typewriter, she believes she has been sending him one-way letters. Unbeknownst to Iris, she, in fact, has not been sending him letters. If she were, then we would not have a story.

Roman Kitt is on the opposite end of the poverty spectrum. He works with Iris at their newspaper, and is known for being aloof, cold-shouldered, and just generally unpleasant. However, Roman has always had an unseen soft spot for Iris. Because he is the one who has been receiving her letters that she's poured her heart into for her brother. An invasion of privacy? Yes. Nonetheless, he feels close to her.

The story moves forward - not very slowly, but slow enough that I just had to read one more chapter (at least, that's what I kept telling myself). Iris, determined to pull herself out of devastation, figures out a way to maybe see her brother. Her plan is wrought with danger and folly, but she, quite literally, has nothing to lose. So, she sets out. And sooner or later, so does Roman. Swoon?

The reader knows pretty early on about Roman's secret, and his love for Iris is obvious - to the reader. And their story is so sweet and pure and I loved every single moment with these characters.

This is a young adult duology, which is not usually in my list of reads. However, I wouldn't have known this was young adult until I noticed the lack of "spice," as they call it. I didn't mind it one bit. Roman and Iris are so perfectly perfect, and the story is written so fully that you wouldn't dare guess this was meant for less mature audiences.

Everything about this book, this series, is unique - the story, the characters, the twists. And there are twists! And I loved it all. Every bit. It was just such a good story that I couldn't put it down - and definitely couldn't wait to read the second ("Ruthless Vows"). It's now rightly situated on my "favorites" shelf for eternity, waiting for me to read it again and again for the same amount of time.

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"Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros

"Fourth Wing" is everything I want in a romantasy. Dragons, morally-grey love interests, friends you fall in love with, and foes who make you want to jump into the book and deal the final blow yourself.

I have read "Fourth Wing" three times, one extra time for each installment in the series that has been published, and I have loved it every time.

In this book, we are introduced to Violet Sorrengail as the narrator. She is small and frail and limited - the stereotypical fantasy female heroine. We follow Violet as she's forced into the highest service of a dragon-aided military school, The Ryders Quadrant. Naturally, Violet spent her whole life training for a separate quadrant. One much less formidable and harrowing, but alas, this is the hand she is dealt.

Immediately, we learn of her history, her family's history, and the foes she is supposed to be wary of once she enters the Ryders Quadrant. And from the moment I read the first word of the first page of this book, I was enthralled. I couldn't put it down. I devoured it. I was in love, in awe, frustrated, curious, bewildered at all the right moments. It is the perfect fantasy novel - the perfect romantasy.

Okay, so we enter the Ryder's Quadrant, where new soldiers train and kill and get ready to become the dragon riders that the front lines are in dire need of. We are thrust with Violet into this new, wild, dangerous life she's forced to live as she keeps her guard up, her head down, and just tries to make it to another day. And one significant reason why Violet is to be so wary of this quadrant is Xaden Riorson, the morally-grey, enemy-to-soon-to-be-lover, whose father led the rebellion against Navarre, and Violet's mother, the General of Navarre's army.

Xaden is immediately a threat to Violet, but he, of course, is the most handsome man she's ever seen. So while she tries to survive each day in the quadrant with all its naturally-occurring hazards, she is also trying to avoid Xaden' and his promised retribution against her family. Following the story, Violet and Xaden are forced to interact and it is a beautiful coming together of enemies-to-lovers - slow, desperate, hot.

Sidenote: I love Xaden. However, I cannot not mention the nickname Xaden has given Violet. Violence. I hate this nickname. Why do author's feel the need to give the main character's nicknames from their love interests? I cringe every time he says it, which is almost every single time he speaks to her.

Nickname aside, Violet and Xaden become a force to be reckoned with and this story becomes as much about the war and the truth behind the rebellion as it is about the romance between sworn enemies. It's jam-packed with sex, secrets, revelations, and friendship. And the first time I read it, I really couldn't tell what was going to happen next.

Also, the characters Yarros forces us to fall in love with are just the absolute best. I love almost every single one of them. As the reader, I felt like I, myself, was becoming friends with them, laughing with them, learning with them, which made reading this book all the more special.

I loved "Fourth Wing." Absolutely loved it. I loved the second book, and am sure to love the third, which I have yet to start. I also love Yarros' other books that she's written outside of the fantasy genre. Her story-telling ability is insane and she has done an incredible job wielding it.

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"One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig

"One Dark Window" has been on my read list for a while. After hearing that it was a "tiktok" favorite, I knew I had to check it out myself.

Now, I've been scorned by social media reviews in the past, but not this time. "One Dark Window" delivers. It is beautiful and dark and triumphant, and I read the entire first novel in less than two days.

This story follows Elspeth Spindle who has a dark secret, one that could get her killed in her town of Blunder. So, naturally, she's been hiding it for most of her life, laying low, and keeping out of sight. That is, until, she's caught by none other than the handsome Captain of the Destriers. Captain Ravyn Yew finds her and quickly-but-not-too-quickly into the story, they begin a traitorous quest together with a lovable cast of misfits.

I will admit that this first book had me a little anxious because it started out very descriptive. And when pages describe scenery and feelings in so much detail, it tends to grate on my nerves. But, Rachel Gillig made the descriptions flow pretty nicely into the action, which hooked me immediately.

When I think back, there wasn't a whole lot of definitive story that happened in its pages. There were questions, some answers, but mostly foreshadowing. And it ends right when things really start getting great. The first book, in my opinion, is an in-depth introduction into the second book which, hopefully, will answer all the questions the first book failed to. Granted, we know the first books tend to leave so many questions unanswered on purpose.

"One Dark Window" introduced us to a variety of characters, but we never really get to understand them deeply enough to fall in love with them. At least, I didn't. I really wanted more backstories, more conversations, more yearning, just more from the people in Elspeth's circle. Most of the characters were kept at a distance, but that could've been a purposeful choice made by the author to sew seeds of intrigue for what may be to come. I will say that there was so much going on in Elspeth's mind - literally - that I didn't find myself missing out because I was busy trying to keep up with Nightmare - what it was, who it was. There's no guessing that "One Dark Window" was about Elspeth and the Nightmare, but I have a feeling that "Two Twisted Crowns" will also be about everyone and everything else.

One character, whose interactions with Elspeth I loved reading, was Ravyn. Their story flowed without any real animosity or deep betrayal, which is a nice change of pace for some romance novels. I was grateful for the vulnerability and honesty portrayed on the pages. I tend to get frustrated with heroines in some fantasies because they are so reluctant to trust and build genuine relationships. I get it, but still, it was nice to bare witness to a female main character who let her walls down and trust those around her. Especially with Ravyn. He was kind and heroic, and generally everything you'd like to see in a love interest.

There is still so much to learn about Blunder, about Elspeth, the Rowans, the Yews, the Spindles, the Hawthornes, and of course, Nightmare. So, I am excited to jump right into book two and see what answers await me there. This story is so good and I just know that Gillig is going to unload in the next installment. I can't wait!

[bmacreadz]

On a re-reading spree. BRB

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"Heir of Fire" by Sarah J Maas

CAUTION: SPOILERS FOR "THRONE OF GLASS" AND "CROWN OF MIDNIGHT"

"Heir of Fire" begins with Celaena slumming in Wendlyn after she's sent there on her latest mission from the King of Adarlan. Wendlyn sits across the sea from Erilea and the city of Adarlan, so we spend most of this book being introduced to new characters in an ever-growing plot.

This book is told from all different perspectives. We get Celaena's perspective, of course, but we also get Choal and Dorian's perspectives back in Adarlan, and we are introduced to a totally new character and plot outside of currently-known characters. I will admit that I was far less interested in what was going on with anyone other than Celaena most of the time. I had to keep myself from skimming over the chapters that didn't focus on her as much. HOWEVER, those other perspectives are so important to read so that we understand what's going on in the big picture. I'm sure everything comes together eventually, but I just have to get through it.

I will also admit that I want more romance. When I started this series, I was really convinced there would be a lot more romance than there has been. I came from the world of Feyre and Bryce, who were written as adult romance characters - for adults - so my hopes were high in that department, if not misplaced. This series has so far been focused mostly on PLOT with romance as an afterthought. I'm not disappointed, just yearning for that intense romantical element that I'm used to when reading SJM. There are still four more books in the series, though, so I'm not judging too harshly too soon...

There's not much more I can say about this without giving too much away... Celaena is steadily uncovering the mysteries that plague her, her friends, and all of Erilea. We dive a lot deeper into the story, which has increased in its brutality and creepiness. SJM does an incredible job at world-building and describing her characters, creatures, and environments. More than once, I had to put the book down and take a breath - reminding myself that it wasn't real. It has been a little intense for me, but so good. I can't wait to get through this series, but am also savoring this first read-through because I know that when it's over I'll never get these moments of unknowing back.

BY THE WAY, I want to say a huge thank you to the SJM fandom for being the literal best at not giving away spoilers. I follow a lot of accounts on multiple platforms, this series has been out for quite some time, and I am uncovering every little bit as if I have never heard anything about it before. BECAUSE I REALLY HAVEN'T. You guys are the best. Thank you.

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"Crown of Midnight" by Sarah J Maas

"Crown of Midnight" picks up almost immediately where "Throne of Glass" ends. Celaena, aka Adarlan's Assassin, aka Elentiya, is now the King's Champion, making a living doing his bidding. The story progresses nicely, but focuses much more on figuring out the mysteries of the castle and whatever the King of Adarlan is hiding. She gets closer to the friends we meet in the first book, but there's still so much to uncover about Celaena that it is probably foolish to get too comfortable too soon.

Sarah J Maas is weaving an intricate story, and I am pretty ecstatic that this series is seven books long. As I predicted, it is only getting better as I continue through.

Although this series is labeled for young adults, SJM doesn't shy away from brutality. There's a lot less romance thus far, but a lot more gore - killing and hunting and an overall carelessness for humanity. These are defining characteristics throughout the story, so I'd say be prepared for morally greyness throughout.

I anticipate a lot of sadness in this series, a lot of disappointment - not in the story or the writing, but in empathy with the characters. They are growing on me and I want to see them in a happy ending... We shall see how this goes.

I have already read "Heir of Fire" and am currently reading "Queen of Shadows," so lookout for those reviews soon!

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"Throne of the Glass" by Sarah J Maas

"Throne of the Glass" is the series that started it all.

This book follows Celaena, aka Adarlan's Assassin, as she is tested against criminals of all backgrounds to become the King's Champion and ultimately gain her freedom after she's been imprisoned.

There's a lot going on in this world. It's been/being conquered by the King of Adarlan, whose banishment and censorship of magic has resulted in death, imprisonment, enslavement, and ignorance for peoples across the continent. Some try to fight back, but he is deadly and generally considered to be the most powerful man to exist. However, Celaena is desperate for freedom and becoming the King's Champion means that one day she'll be able to live on her own terms. I rooted for her the entire way through this book.

I expected "Throne of Glass" to be a lot more romance-heavy than it was. But I'm not disappointed that it wasn't. This plot needed the attention and SJM delivered. I also expect that there will be more romance throughout the series, and this first book is just scratching the surface of what's to come. That's something I can glean, not from knowing SJM, but from this plot itself. There are so many elements here that have to be explored - so many mysteries and unanswered questions. I cannot wait.

I already love the cast of characters here. I don't know how she does it, but SJM writes her characters to be the perfect mix of annoying and lovable. And the antagonists are perfectly evil.

I waited so long to read "Throne of Glass." I have some catching up to do.

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"Rule of the Aurora King" by Nisha J. Tuli

I have mixed feelings about "Rule of the Aurora King," honestly. I really liked the first book and was excited about this one, but it failed to deliver what I was expecting - and what it more or less promised.

Caution: There may be some spoilers ahead.

This book starts out shortly after the first one ends (with Lor being... rescued? Kidnapped? from the Sun King's palace by the Aurora Prince and his companions). "Rule of the Aurora King" initially advertises that Lor is being hunted by the Sun King and must stay "on the move." I just didn't get that in this book at all. We do not hear from the Sun King NOT ONCE. We know nothing about what he's doing or what his plans are. The Sun King is mentioned maybe twice altogether (as well as most of the characters from "Trial of the Sun Queen"), which is so strange because of how possessive he was over Lor in the first book. And from what we know, he really needed Lor. I fully expected him to be hunting her down, but he's hardly mentioned. I also wouldn't say that she spends her time "on the move" because of the Sun King, either. In my opinion, she's not "on the move" at all.

Lor and Nadir, the Aurora Prince, spend the entirety of this book pining for each other under the guise of searching for the Crown of Heart. Most of that search takes place in the Aurora Keep, where the royal family officially resides... and that's about the sum of this book.

The main focus of "Rule of the Aurora King" is definitely the relationship - or non-relationship - between Lor and Nadir. And I am left very wanting. I had so much hope for these two in the beginning, but I quickly realized that they were not two characters I believe are meant to be. Maybe it just wasn't my type of romance, but I cringed every time I read them together. When Lor thought she was being clever with her snarky-ness, when Nadir thought he was keeping his distance by being a complete ass - the more I read, the more I wanted them to never speak to each other again. Everything seemed forced, and I was pretty much confused the whole time about what they were doing.

AND THE NICKNAME. At what point is that going to stop? Because I can't read another book where he keeps calling her that. I almost put this book down every time I read that because WHY.

Like I said, maybe it's just me, but "Rule of the Aurora King" was not what I wanted or anticipated. The plot needed so much more attention and less repetition about how much the narrator hated the Aurora King because of this or that. The main characters are disturbing and cringey, and I do not get "romance" from them whatsoever. It's weird, it's insensitive, it's cringe. It's not for me.

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"Trial of the Sun Queen" by Nisha J. Tuli

"Trial of the Sun Queen" was everything from my favorite fantasy romance novels in one book, and I can tell it's only going to get better. Think: "The Selection"/"The Hunger Games"/ACOTAR/"The Prison Healer"

This story follows Lor, a long-time prisoner of Nostraza, located in The Aurora. She escapes from Nostraza and ends up in the Sun Queen Trials, in Aphelion, much to her (and my) confusion. The big question: Why is she there? What's so special about her? That's what everyone is wondering, but only the Sun and Aurora Kings seem to know. And unsurprisingly, this question doesn't get fully answered for the reader. Although, you should get the hint right at the end. Honestly, I had even more questions at that point, but at least one of the greater mysteries was solved - sort of.

"Trial of the Sun Queen" is also written in dual perspectives. Nadir, the Aurora Prince, spent this installment trying to discover Lor's identity and would stop at nothing for answers. His perspective was told through only a few chapters and I would have loved to read more of him. I'm hoping we get a lot more of him in the next book.

Anyway, Lor faced off in the Sun Queen Trials with 8 Fae females, and it's exactly what it sounds like. They were competing to become the Sun Queen, but it wasn't as simple as that... I was genuinely confused for a lot of this book, asking questions that I didn't know who had the answers to. I was suspicious of everyone, along with Lor who really couldn't trust anyone.

I have mixed feelings about the cast of characters in this book. Gabriel, for one, was someone I really wanted to love. I kept waiting for one redeeming instance that would turn my opinion, but I ended up just really not liking him at all. And most everyone else besides Atlas (the Sun King) and Nadir, really didn't get enough page time for me to get a good idea of their character. "Trial of the Sun Queen" really focused on Lor and told most of her story through her inner monologues.

All in all, I think this book was a massive hit for me. I bought it yesterday and am already done, which is a feat as of late. I'm glad "Trial of the Sun Queen" is the first book that I've read to get me back in my reading groove. I've already bought the second installment, "Rule of the Aurora King," and will be reading it tomorrow.

[bmacreadz]

Hi! Ok so your last post was in October, so idk if youre very active on here, but i do have another rec for you.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent. Its dark, but on the YA side (no smut but lots of dark themes ; murder, blood, genocide, poverty etc) its Vampires with a human FMC who fights against vampires in a bloody contest to the death. Lots of world building and the end is so good. Highly recommend

Yes! I'm not as active as I used to be because I had a baby in November, but I haven't abandoned ship. I just haven't had as much time to read, but have lots of plans!! Thanks for the rec!!! I can't wait to read it for myself :)

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"The Blood Traitor" by Lynette Noni

"The Blood Traitor" is the third (and final) installment in "The Prison Healer" series, and it is a truly grand finale.

"The Blood Traitor" relies heavily on the theme of addiction to tell part of the story. So, if you're sensitive to that, tread lightly.

This final part of the series begins with Kiva facing the fallout of her sister's scheme. She's abandoned and broken, but she befriends an unlikely ally, who seems to be hiding her own secrets. They get through some pretty tough situations until they are separated and the story really begins to take off.

I realize the more I get to know Kiva, the more I cannot understand how she's survived so long on her own. It's actually unbelievable. She's not the fierce heroine that she should be due to her experiences; at least not in my opinion. I wasn't too bothered by this, but it was a little annoying for her to be in constant need of someone's aid - especially after she supposedly survived by herself for so long in Zalindov.

Caution: Spoilers Ahead

Speaking of Zalindov, I was a little disappointed in this series as a whole due to the lack of Zalindov in the second and third books. The series is called "The Prison Healer," but the prison is only briefly revisited in the last book. I would have loved to see more of the story play out in Zalindov - this prison that is supposedly impenetrable, yet somehow these characters keep getting out. The prison was fascinating in book one. It made for a very unique story, but that was about all we got from it.

This book also lacks in the romance department, quite like the others did, but I never felt like I missed it. There were enough platonic interactions with so many of the other characters that it made up for the two main characters who were essentially ignoring each other.

"The Blood Traitor" was definitely more intriguing than "The Gilded Cage," in my opinion, but neither of the books hold up to "The Prison Healer." Despite that, "The Blood Traiter" was faster-paced and genuinely entertaining. The reader got to experience more of Wenderall, however, I would have loved for that to not have been so rushed. Those other kingdoms were truly fascinating and I would love to see a spin-off where Lynette Noni writes more about them.

I also have to say that some of the plot points and resolutions were a bit elementary. I would have wished for things to be less... superficial? Alas, I think that's the YA element once again giving me just a smidge less than I want. So, the novel can't be blamed for that one - I think that just comes with the territory of YA.

I'm not dissatisfied with this book, or this series. It turned out how I hoped, and I really liked these characters and their endings. There were so many plot twists that I didn't count on and I was kept guessing throughout. Lynette Noni really did a wonder with this series. Though it's not on my all-time favorites list, I'm glad I read it. And I'm still glad for the recommendation (sorry for the time it took me to get through it).

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"The Gilded Cage" by Lynette Noni

"The Gilded Cage" begins as Kiva navigates her newfound freedom outside of Zalindov. She grows closer to Jaren, is re-introduced to her siblings, and finds herself becoming more and more comfortable at the River Palace surrounded by the royal family.

Jaren and Kiva in "The Gilded Cage" had a relationship that was a non-relationship. Obviously, they liked (loved?) each other, but neither one of them made any moves WHATSOEVER. I can understand Kiva's resistance to get very close to Jaren since she was determining where her loyalties lied the entire novel, but Jaren neglected so many opportunities to be straight-forward with Kiva. I can't totally blame him because a lot of his hesitation came from respecting Kiva and giving her the space he thought she needed. Kiva went through so much in her ten years at Zalindov, and there was no real reason (in his mind) for them to rush into anything. Still, I think just a little more romance would have been nice.

This book introduces us to a whole new cast of characters outside of Zalindov. We learn a lot about the two rival families: the Corentines and the Vallentises as we meet each member and are introduced to the important role they play in the story. And everyone plays an important role here. It's pretty easy to keep up, though, because there aren't too many names being thrown at the reader. Each time we meet someone new, we see them frequently enough that we don't really forget who they are.

Personally, I didn't know what to expect from this installment. Obviously, I wanted Jaren and Kiva to really go for it, which they really didn't. And I was genuinely unsure what Kiva would decide was most important to her. She was between a rock and hard place and had some very difficult decisions to make. I was with her 100% and the little twists added by the author was a nice touch in the middle of the turmoil and loneliness that Kiva was undoubtedly enduring.

Overall, "The Gilded Cage" was a decent read. I didn't love it as much as "The Prison Healer," but I was impressed and intrigued throughout the novel. I'm excited to read "The Blood Traitor" and finally see how this all comes to close!!

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"Once Upon a Broken Heart" by Stephanie Garber

"Once Upon a Broken Heart" is the first book in a trilogy that seems like it will definitely be worth the read (and the wait!).

This story follows Evangeline who, through heartbreaking circumstances, ends up making a deal with an infamous magic being who is rumored to be cunning and unpredictable. If you've read Garber's "Caraval" series, then you've already met Jacks.

In this story, Jacks is not what he appears to be, or what he appeared to be in the previous trilogy. He's definitely not an angel, but we are able to see him thaw a little towards Evangeline. And it is a thawing because there's not a whole lot of "romance" in this one.

I was a worried initially because I really wanted this book to give me something in the direction of romance. The title wasn't promising romance, and the description wasn't really giving me anything either (and for me to expect any different was absolutely on me). However, I'm very happy with the direction I see this story going. Granted, I am positive that I will have to read every book in this trilogy before finally having my breath taken away by that blessed feeling of falling in love, but from what I know of Garber, she always gives us something. I'm guessing we'll have enough to hold onto throughout each installment that we'll want to keep reading and rooting for Evangeline and Jacks.

What Garber didn't really give us so much was world-building. I, personally, didn't miss it too much because I was so focused on what was going on with Evangeline. It becomes pretty clear that Jacks isn't the only one hiding things from her and I don't anticipate her misfortune letting up any time soon. Regardless, it's hard for me to picture in my head the world that Garber set this story in. Evangeline travels somewhere north of where "Legendary" and "Finale" are set - where fairytales, myths, and legends hold some grain of truth. She is sent there by the newly-established Empress Scarlett Dragna to meet the crowned prince and serve as an ambassador on behalf of Valenda and the Meridian Empire. But I don't really know much about the actual place of The Magnificent North. Once again, from what I know of Garber, I'm certain she'll reveal even more to us as we continue reading the rest of the series.

The ending of "Once Upon a Broken Heart" definitely shocked me into a "I-can't-believe-she-just-ended-it-like-that!" state. Garber definitely wanted her readers to come back. So, I immediately bought the second book, "The Ballad of Never After" on my Kindle. And that review will be coming soon(-ish).

Sidenote #1: I read one review that stated something along the lines of "this book was just a setup for sequels." I have to agree, I think. It's pretty clear that this first installment is just a taste of what will come, but that's definitely not a deterrent for me. I want the subsequent books to be better and tell me more and make me feel all the things. To each their own, of course, but I wasn't entirely put-off by the idea that this book was just an introduction. In fact, thinking of it like that only makes me more excited for part two!

Sidenote #2: I haven't been posting as much because I haven't been reading as much. Last year, I think I read so many good books that I set myself up for failure because it's been so hard for me to keep interest in some of the stories I've been trying to read. I have some on my TBR list that I was waiting to buy in paperback, but will probably just get on my Kindle so I can go ahead and read try them out. That being said, book recommendations are appreciated. :)

[bmacreadz]

"Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom

"Tuesdays with Morrie" is a nonfiction story about "an old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson." It was such a beautiful and kind story. It was happy and sad at the same time, and I'm so glad I read it.

"Tuesdays with Morrie" is a story about Mitch Albom and his relationship with his old college professor - the one he hasn't seen since Mitch told him at graduation that he would "keep in touch." One day, Mitch learns something that brings him back to his professor. They begin to meet every Tuesday and talk about life - its challenges and its blessings - and how it looks from this old man's perspective.

It's truly one of the best books I've read, and at 192 pages it's also one of the easiest. I plan on reading this book several times over the course of my life as I hope to remember those precious lessons and aphorisms. And looking beneath the surface - reading between the lines, as they say - there is even more to be learned.

[bmacreadz]

"Crave" by Tracy Wolff

"Crave" is a story filled with teen romance, drama, and angst - and it's almost exactly what you might expect it to be.

I'm going to say up front that I didn't finish this one. I really liked it at first, but towards the end and I got bored and didn't care to finish it.

"Crave" follows a girl named Grace who has experienced a family tragedy and is sent to live at the boarding school that her uncle runs in Alaska. However, everything is not as it seems and she - not very quickly - finds out the truth behind the school and its students. Immediately upon her arrival, she meets a dark and broody guy named Jaxon that she (and several others) has deemed dangerous. Despite that, she can't seem to stay away...

If you're thinking this sounds familiar it's because it is. I understand that there are very popular stories of this genre out there and writing anything remotely similar will bear you in front of the die-hards that live and breathe those stories. This book is popular, but doesn't have the best reviews on Goodreads for this very reason. It's deemed predictable and unoriginal, and the main character can be incredibly frustrating to read. All of these are true - which is partly why I wanted to read it.

For me, "Crave" was one of those books that I chose to read because I wanted to read a story very much like another story I read, but I didn't want to re-read the first story over and over. "Crave" was the solution. And I thought it was a fairly good read. I liked the drama, the angst, the brooding - at first. But that was all this book was. It was very much a back and forth between Grace and Jaxon about how he was dangerous, but they were also falling for each other. A play on the "stay-away" - "no, come here!" cliché. Personally, I thought it got old pretty quickly. I had maybe a little over 100 pages left and couldn't bring myself to finish it. I think myself a little hypocritical because in the beginning I liked the book for the exact same reasons that I didn't like it in the end. I guess it is fair to expect that some things might change throughout the book, which is why I think this one left me a little disappointed.

I can't say I didn't like "Crave," because I did despite not finishing it. I may even try to read it again one day. Who knows? For now, it will sit on my DNF shelf patiently awaiting its chance at redemption.

[bmacreadz]

"A Girl Called Samson" by Amy Harmon

"A Girl Called Samson" is about a girl... named Deborah Samson who wants more out of life than what has been set before her.

Deborah has lived basically all of her life as an indentured servant due to her mother's inability to take care of her and her siblings after their father walked out on them. Deborah's indentured service to her latest family led her to resent womanhood and the limitations it rendered in 18th century America.

These limitations led Deborah to test the chains that held her back from fulfilling her self-proclaimed life's purpose of serving in the Revolutionary Army. And we know, from deductive reasoning and the book's description, that she successfully broke those chains, defied her womanhood, and fought for her young country's independence. Along the way, Deborah experienced extreme loss, love, and acceptance.

"A Girl Called Samson" ultimately disappointed me. I love Amy Harmon and her stories. I love the way she writes about love and hope and courage. This book fell short of my expectations, which were admittedly pretty high. Deborah Samson rejected her womanhood. She was naïve and immature. She was almost totally without feeling, which is the exact opposite of the type of characters Harmon traditionally writes. She fell in love, but even that seemed more like a business transaction than it did a heartfelt desire.

Overall, I would summarize this book as bland. There were some exciting and devastating moments as I read through it, but it wasn't enough to make me love Deborah or her story. In fact, I really didn't like Deborah. She was entirely too dispassionate for someone who had the courage to defy herself and her life's circumstances, dress up like a boy, and fight for a country she claimed to love. I was severely unimpressed with her, and I was fully expecting to fall in love with her. And maybe that made it worse - that my expectations were so high. But Amy Harmon has effectively set such a high standard that I just knew this book was going to be stellar. When it wasn't, it made the sting of disappointment that much worse, I guess.

I still love Amy Harmon. I am still going to be excited for her future works. I still treasure her stories, just not this one so much.

If you're venturing to read this book, I'd say go for it, if you want. If you do end up disappointed however, don't swear off Amy Harmon's books for good. She has a massive arsenal of works that will make your head spin and heart stop.