fantasyforlife-reviews

[fantasyforlife-reviews]

"I'm not afraid of this place, I'm not afraid to learn how to think like a killer, and I'm not afraid of you."

- Jennifer Lynn Barnes, The Naturals

[fantasyforlife-reviews]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a huge fan of profiling and true crime, this book seemed like the absolute perfect choice for a little break from fantasy books. (Please, don't come for me!🫣)

'The Naturals' is a series that has been on my To Be Read-List for a while now and the first book didn't disappoint. It's a Young Adult Crime and Mystery book that revolves around the 17-year-old Cassie Hobbes, who is invited to join an FBI program called "The Naturals", because of her natural ability to profile people.

Intrigued, she accepts and moves to Washington, D.C. to train her skills and become a real profiler. She isn't the only one living in the Safehouse, though. Her roommate Sloane has a talent for numbers and statistics, Lia is a human lie detector, Michael reads people like a book by their body language and Dean is another profiler. While Agent Lacey Locke begins her training, Cassie learns more and more about the other teenagers in the program and unravels one secret after the other. Soon it becomes clear that the serial killer their supervisors try to catch has an interest in her and her new friends participating in the hunt …

Guys, hear me out. To read this book was so refreshing and I bet there were a lot of readers who felt the same. Cassie and the others are smart, efficient and so effortlessly written. Like, you could imagine them living exactly like that in that Safehouse. Five teenagers who are in different stages of their personal development. I loved everything about it and what I loved the most, was that Cassie thinks LOGICALLY!👏

Yes, she has a heart, but her head is stronger than that and I enjoyed that so much. No stupid emotional choices, no heartbroken revenge - all that stuff. Cassie thinks about her feelings and how they affect those around her. She wants to be a comfort place for those she cares about and tries to swallow her trauma every single day. She reminded me so much of a soft version of Katniss Everdeen in another universe.

When I think about Sloane, I have to say that she is such a cute and in many ways relatable character - which is kind of scary, because she is definitely crazy. She is super sweet and adorable with all her quirks. I loved every interaction between Cassie and her.

Lia, on the other hand, is on my To Be Murdered-List. Yes, she has her heartbreaking story about her past and all, but that's no excuse to be shitty. She has her moments, definitely, but if I had been in Cassie's position, at some point I would have slapped her without hesitation. She triggered all my dark and evil desires - like murder🔪.

Moving on to the boys: Dean has my heart entirely! Though I found out way too late his hair is blonde which triggers my entire image of him. To me, he has black hair. Period. That mysterious, self-punishing, dark boy who cannot help himself, but care for the others (except Michael)? 10/10🔥.

And then there is Michael, and I am sorry to everyone out there who crushes on him, but that boy was on my nerves! Immature, annoying and an ego bigger than a skyscraper. And I know, here opinions are divided, he can be sweet and all, but that's still a big 'No!'❌️ from me.

But now what I disliked about the book: While reading, I felt like the story was served half raw. Something about crime books is that the entire thing has to be thought through in the tiniest detail. Whoever investigates follows the traces back to the murderer, because it all already happened. And reading this book felt different. As if the author was still building the entire plot and planned to go into an entirely different direction, before deciding else. Reading the final wasn't that feeling of everything falling into place, but rather: What a convenient explanation ... To me, it didn't truly make sense, so I was disappointed there. Besides the fact that all of this is unrealistic - the FBI seeking the help of five teenagers to catch a serial killer and all - this was the final straw for me to only give four stars. The information about profiling and that entire area of expertise was researched very well and I enjoyed it all. I even read that book in one sitting while my cat underwent surgery, but while I am looking forward to the rest of the series, I feel like the entire plot of Cassie being personally involved in the case would have made more sense in the second or third book.

All in all, this book was great and I definitely am going to recommend reading it. The characters were so well written, including Lia and Michael and I cannot wait to learn how their stories evolve. There was an amazing balance between their personal lives and struggles and the actual case that was going on, which I really enjoyed. I just think that most of my complaints could have been fixed if there would have been more thinking and editing of the final story.

Spicyometer: 0/5

Romanceometer: ❤️❤️.5/5

Tropes: The Gifted💫, Love Triangle💞, Secret Government Program🫆, Tragic Past🥀, Elite Training⚔️, Found Family🧡

Bonus: None

This is the link to a Spotify playlist, that may make reading this book a whole different experience: 🎵 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6C0JBHOz5gKoaeC3UWqdQf?si=603c064e21ec4e10 🎵

What do you think? Let me know in the comments if you agree with my review and if you like Dean or Michael better. To everyone who hasn't read this book yet, come back after you did and tell me about your thoughts. I hope you get to enjoy the book as much as I did. Hopefully, I hear from you soon!

[fantasyforlife-reviews]

"This place ... It's one of those special places where you feel like time doesn't exist. Where it will always be summer, where I'll always wake up with you."

- K. L. Walther, The Summer of Broken Rules

[fantasyforlife-reviews]

The Summer of Broken Rules - K. L. Walther

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I'll be re-reading this book every single summer of my life until I get married!

This book was so *🤏* close to perfect - a Contemporary Romance that sweeps you off your feet and spills you out at Paqua Farm. I don't think I need a beach vacation this year, or even more than before, because while I read this book: I was there. I was at The Farm. I was grocery shopping at the Morning Glory Farm, surfing at the beach, and spent my evenings on the couch of the Annex playing Scrabble.

It all begins at the ferry to Martha's Vineyard with a ✨️Meet Cute✨️ and guys, what a Meet Cute. Right after, we are introduced to The Farm and the rest of the family, as well as the groom's family, and I don't think I need to mention that Wit is part of them. Also, we get to meet Meredith's friends and many parts of the entire property, right before the game is announced: Assassin. Because her sister Claire was the undefeated Assassin Champion, Meredith is determined to win in her place this year. At the same time, she deals with the aftermath of her grief and her bedazzling feelings for Wit, which she tries to lock away. But juggling the pact Wit and she made, the ally with her friends and Luli, who still seems to hold a grudge against her, and Claire's presence everywhere on Martha's Vineyard that forces her to confront her inner demons, isn't a job for beginners.

We follow Meredith on her journey to her old self after her break-up and back to the woman her sister Claire adored. She is clever, funny, affectionate, brave, and passionate, and she always has a comeback joke on her lips. And the best part? She is BLONDE💅. Guys, maybe it's just me, but I've read way too few books with a blonde female lead character. Jokes aside, Meredith is such an adorable character who will melt your heart, and everyone who has ever lost someone will hold a special place for her in their heart.

And then there is Wit. Charming, optimistic and he wants to live life at its fullest. There's no way he's ever backing down from a dare or adventure. Absolutely competitive, fearless, and sensitive. In short, a dream of a man. His humour? 10/10. His love language? *Chef's kiss* His looks? Boooooyyyy!! Meredith, I am sorry, but that man is one hundred percent on the list.

Since this is not a Fantasy novel, I didn't expect too much of the plot twists - you cannot measure a fish by its ability to fly😉 - but I was positively surprised. Though they weren't the kind where you close the book for a few minutes to realize what just happened, they were GOOD. Not super surprising, but so well written. Hats off, K. L. Walther! This story was so real, so alive. It had me aching for a summer at the beach with hot surfers, good friends, and bonfires at night. Whenever I closed this book, I immediately wanted to go back to The Farm and escape reality for a little longer.

You may wonder why it isn't 5 stars then? Two points. First: I feel like the title doesn't quite match. I think one could have done more with it, though that is a personal preference. Second: Well, you wouldn't believe how many times I heard that this book is supposed to be a Slow Burn love story. And yes, I know that if you read fast, it technically isn't a Slow Burn, but if this is a SLOW Burn story, we need to redefine the meaning of "slow". Don't get me wrong, this is absolutely fitted and made it such an incredible story, but it just wasn't one hundred percent to my liking. It's probably because I am used to Fantasy standards.

PS: The amount of Taylor Swift references is unhealthy - it made my Swiftie heart so unbelievably happy💖.

Spicyometer: 0/5

Romanceometer: ❤️❤️❤️❤️/5

Tropes: Summer Romance☀️, Healing Arc❤️‍🩹, Tradition and Legacy🍶, A Game🔫, Slow Burn🔥 (Some would call it) and partially Opposites Attract💘

Bonus: A family tree

This is the link to the playlist I listened to while I read: 🎵 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QVxxSCUSArckAQ8OuaB5W?si=sV1N8FbcTPiRG75hzF1C2w&pi=FEdjVijWTFqph 🎵

I wish you the most possible joy while reading this absolutely fantastic romance.

Have you read this book yet? Let me know in the comments and tell me what you thought about it. And I need SOMEONE to agree with me that this isn't truly a Slow Burn! To those who haven't read it yet: I would love to know if this made you want to read the book and if you think I spoil too much, not at all or just the right amount. I would be very delighted about feedback concerning that. Also, do you have any recommendations on what I should read and review next? We'll hear from each other soon!

[fantasyforlife-reviews]

"Once there were twelve of us: The Thaumas Dozen ... Which one of us would be next?"

- Erin A. Craig, House of Salt and Sorrows

[fantasyforlife-reviews]

House of Salt and Sorrows - Erin A. Craig

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gods, ghosts and midnight balls - that's the theme of this terrifyingly amazing story.

The first book of the 'Sisters of the Salt' series is a Gothic Horror Mystery novel and Fairytale Retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses"🩰 that had me staying up all night, because I was so afraid of falling asleep. Honestly, I expected mermaids and sunkissed pirates when I first picked this one up and was disappointed in the most positive way there is. I probably should have read the blurb when I bought it, but I loved the cover, so I basically had no choice🤫.

The story follows Annaleigh, the sixth of twelve sisters, who live at Highmoor Manor on Salten, an island part of the Salaan Islands. The first four daughters are already dead and Eulalie's death is the immediate catalyst for the events of the book. Tired of the grief that sweeps through the house, the girls try to find a way out of their misery and back into their lives. While Annaleigh is skeptical at first, she meets a mysterious and handsome man who she can't quite figure out, and who stirs her longing for a life without grief and the deaths of her sisters. At night, the girls sneak out of their beds and attend colorful balls in faraway castles. It's only when Annaleigh misses one of those balls, that she unravels another dark secret the walls of Highmoor Manor hold …

This book was absolutely breathtaking and had me leave a light on in the dark. The tension was almost graspable, and one plot twist followed the other. If you are ready to get swept away into a gothic fantasy world full of ghosts and secrets, this is absolutely your ticket.

Annaleigh is such a clever and prudent character who you cannot help but fall in love with. She is beautiful, curious, and caring, and she is determined to break the curse that seems to hold her family captive. Not only because her own life is at risk, but also because of her unconditional love for her sisters. Absolutely realistically written and definitely one of my favourite fictional female characters💅.

Cassian, though, did disappoint me the slightest when his true identity was revealed. It didn't feel fitting regarding the rest of the book and it ultimately killed my reading flow. The tension that surrounded him and that had me curl up in my bed suddenly burst like a soap bubble.

But besides that, I am absolutely impressed by the villain and the twists and turns this story had. There is no chance I would ever regret reading this. Erin A. Craig did a wonderful job twisting the minds of the readers, and it was a crazy amazing experience to read this book. Every step Annaleigh takes is so logical and thought through, yet I wasn't ready for the end of this story. Not at all.

Spicyometer: 0/5

Romanceometer: ❤️❤️/5

Tropes: Dark Fairytale Retelling🧚‍♀️, Haunted House👻, Madness🧠, Mysterious Stranger♟️, Survivor's Guilt🗡, Magic Realm🔮

Bonus: Small illustrations on chapter pages

Here is the link to one of many playlists on Spotify, so you have the full experience while reading or just to enjoy the flashbacks of this novel: 🎵 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05frTIOQobfxCEHB335HFo?si=okAQ0_5mRXmTlc1FDHVrew&pi=9G6fkfpYQ6Otv 🎵

Have you read 'House of Salt and Sorrows' yet? Let me know whether you agree with my critical review or not, and if you haven't read it yet, share your expectations and whether you would like to read this book or not. Also, if you have any questions, I would be happy to help, so feel free to ask anything about this book in the comments. Otherwise, I'll be back in a week with another review!

[fantasyforlife-reviews]

"Sometimes we are pushed to do things, we thought we could never do."

- Mary E. Pearson, The Remnant Chronicles

[fantasyforlife-reviews]

The Kiss of Deception - Mary E. Pearson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh. My. God. This book had me in my EVERYTHING.

The first book of the series 'The Remnant Chronicles' is a High Fantasy novel that takes place in a fictional world based on middle-age societal structures, and we have it ALL. Prophecies, magic, political intrigues, and most importantly: ✨️Romance✨️.

We start off in the kingdom Morrighan, where Princess Lia is to marry the prince of Dalbreck, but she flees side by side with her best friend Pauline on the morning of her wedding day. The girls find a job in a small town at the coast, where a few weeks later, two men arrive. One of them is an assassin sent by Venda, the third kingdom of the continent, and the other is the prince, which Lia and Pauline don't know. Both men vow for Lia's attention, and she gives in to one of them, while the other is left with hard feelings that should've never existed.

Clue is, for half of the book, the reader doesn't even know who is who. Like, we know they are Rafe and Kaden, but we are left guessing whether they are the good or the bad guy, and this is like one of the best things I have ever experienced while reading. It literally had me pulling an all-nighter just to learn who she is falling in love with because - ❗️Spoiler❗️ - they fall in love.

Lia is a courageous, stubborn and proud female lead character, who cares for her loved ones more than anything and would do absolutely anything to save them from the entire world. She is a smart-ass woman, stands her ground and wants to see old systems burn and new empires rise. No work is too dirty for her and she wants nothing more than to be a normal girl in a normal village with no responsibilities and a future she can choose. *Chef's kiss*

And don't even get me started on the men. Gosh, brave, funny, intelligent, and sooooo sexy!😍 Marry E. Pearson, you're stealing my heart! Absolutely no disappointment when it comes to these two.

This story had me staying up way too late and eating way too less, because I was so invested. It is build so good, so logically and every step you follow the main characters feels like a step you're doing yourself in this world. Like, the landscapes? Man, I've never read anything more beautiful! And the plot twists? I read since I was 5 and not even I could foresee them.

I am pretty hard to please and very critical when it comes to reviews for books, but this one: It's just everything. Tears of heartbreak, kicking feet of happiness, gasping for air because of the plots - everything. The full package. All of you need to read it, I can't be the only addict in this world.

Spicyometer: 0/5

Romanceometer: ❤️❤️❤️.5/5

Tropes: Runaway Bride👰‍♀, Love Triangle💞, Hidden Identity🥷, partially Enemies to Lovers❤️‍🔥 and partially Slow Burn💓

Bonus: There. Is. A. Map.

This is the link to a playlist on Spotify some fellow genius created: 🎵 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2nwZU30jNQ7yBfPfZcz3AX?si=n9qOEPGrQ4ympfGsXIlp8A&pi=gDGPY9ZqSBqNZ 🎵

Enjoy while reading or just to be thrown back into this breathtaking novel.

If you haven't read it yet, let me know in the comments if I stirred your curiosity and if you've read the book, share your thoughts about this story underneath this post and we definitely need to settle this: Rafe or Kaden? Also, let me know if I should write a review for the other books as well, and you'll hear from me soon … with another review.