A Midnight So Deadly - Wren Handman

A Midnight So Deadly - Wren Handman

If you like cozy books you'll probably like this one. The stories of Maeve and Peri are relatable. I liked the representation in this novel. The dreams were cool however I wished the story moved a little faster. It took me longer to read because the pace was slower than I would've liked. It was a sweet book. Again, if you like cozy books with fantasy elements this one is for you.

 

Things that slowed the pace for me; it seems like a large portion of the story happens after the halfway point and I felt like if the story started sooner on what the 'back cover' talks about it would've pulled me in faster. Most of what's on the back cover didn't really start until at least 25% into the story, and I like it to start straight out the gate lol

But I think that's why it's categorized as cozy, because the pace is different than that of a thriller novel.

The Woman of Blythe Manor by Miriam Wade

 

The Woman of Blythe Manor by Miriam Wade

The story moved a bit slow at the beginning for me, but once it picked up it kept a good pace.
I liked the characters and it’s not often that I like multi pov stories, but the characters were very distinct enough for me so this one I liked. I think Damien was my favorite.
Good ghosts, though I love ghosts so more ghosts would’ve made this story really stand out.

Spoilers ahead...

There was a conflict between the four main characters that really came out of nowhere and seemed more of a YA conflict than a conflict between collage aged adults. The misunderstanding trope doesn't even fully work because it was literally none of the main characters faults at all, it was a third parties fault, so that left me a bit confused. There is also a place where one of the characters gets hurt but it's never explained exactly how they got hurt or what it was that hurt them. I know it was like a trip and fall situation but I don't know how you break an ankle from just a small trip if you're not ninety.

However even with the few problems I had with the story I still enjoyed it.

If you're interested in a quick not too spooky read for the upcoming spooky season you should check out this book by Miriam Wade I think it'll hit the right spot for you.

 

 

 

 

Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris

To say that I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. This novel was such a fun read that I read it three times! The monsters were great, the mystery was even better and the ending punched me in the gut! Loved Every Second of it!

Sam & Hel were just fantastic. I loved the mix of mystery and Sherlock Holmes with Monsters! My heart for this novel!

This book has everything you want from historical fiction, and a perfumer to just die for! Like I need all these perfumes!

Truly enjoyed every word! Phenomenal job. 

 

To preorder your copy click here.
 

Hearts that Cut by Kika Hatzopoulou

I cannot begin to say how much I love this series! Just a great fantasy, non stop action and characters to die for! You love them even when you probably shouldn't, and I mean all the characters! The world is so much fun to go through. There are so many creatures and monsters. Join Io on her journey to solve a mystery. If you haven't read the first novel, do yourself a favor and pick it up now. I truly love these books and would read more for certain! Great writing, love everything about it! This book is out today 6/18/24, go get your copy!

A Witch's Guide to Business by Alex Evans

 

I read this book in one sitting!

 

A fun read that flies by so fast you can hardly believe it’s over.
 

Told in dual perspectives you’re enthralled by both leads!
 

A fun mystery read full of action. 

 Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy. Truly a pleasure to read.

 

 

Cinderwich by Cherie Priest

This book hooked me from the first line! Once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down. I had to know "Who put Ellen in the blackgum tree?" The main character Kate Thrush is on a journey to find out if a mystery body found years ago was that of her namesake aunt Ellen. Along with Ellen’s old flame Dr. Judith Kane they travel to Cinderwich Tennessee. The way the author tells the story you can see it playing like a movie in your head. Beautifully written, and oh that ending!

It was a quick read, and I enjoyed every second of it. It was spooky and mysterious, and oh I’ll stop talking so you can go pick up your own copy!

 

#cinderwich #cheriepriest #netgalley

 

These Deathless Shores by P.H. Low

 

These Deathless Shores, the title is so catchy and the fact that it's a Peter Pan retelling had me straight away! The way the author used the world we know and created this whole other way of perceiving was extraordinary.

 

I can say that I personally had a hard time connecting with the main character, but I feel as though it was meant to be that way. I felt for their struggles and all that they’ve gone through, but that ending had me screaming. I did like all the side characters. When it switched perspective the first time, I was thrown off a bit, but I understand why the multiple POV’s were necessary. I do however have a preference to know that a book is dual or multi POV on the back cover copy, (but that is a me thing and I’m certain others won’t feel that way.)

 

I also don’t feel that the back cover really tells the story it says it does either. Especially since the first paragraph of the back cover is just a back story that’s intermingled into the story.

 

The writing is grimdark throughout and is beautifully written. I loved the Southeast Asia (I believe) inspired world setting. It too was exquisite to read. I am certain that the author is a phenomenal writer. Though the story fell a little short for me. I do know others will feel differently and I encourage others who love Peter Pan to pick up this book, but be prepared to be battered.

 

#review #phlow #TheseDeathlessShores #NetGalley

 

 

Fog & Fireflies by T.H. Lehnen

 First of all this cover is to die for! Simply beautiful.
 

 

 

 

The Goodreads description reads as follows...

With refreshing echoes of golden age fantasy, Fog & Fireflies is a novel that brings together an imaginative world and fantastical cast of characters to explore the difference between growing older and growing up.

"Why do we grow more scared as we get older?"

Hundreds of seasons ago, a wizard's war scarred the earth, leaving a malevolent fog blanketing the land, and carrying the settlements within it like ships adrift at sea. The phantoms the fog creates are deadly to adults, so children must guard the walls now, and care for each other.

Ogma watches the fog from the walls of her windmill town. What felt like a game as a child becomes more of a creeping dread with each season she gets older.

"Because we know better."

Ogma's town is attacked—alien caravanners who roam the fog in inhuman forms have come to kidnap the children, and Ogma is lost in the fog. She must find hope, find courage in herself, and find her friends.

The story of Ogma and her friends is full of mystery, danger, and friendship at every corner. 

 

I can't wait to read more stories built in this world. I want to know what happened and why the world moves and the fog changes things.

The kids in this story truly take the lead. I loved each of them, and y'all that ending!

It is a quick read as the story pulls you through this magical changing world.
 

I always start with the positive because I believe that should always come first, and please remember that everything is only my humble opinion, and others will feel differently. I want you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, however, any time I read and my editor brain kicks on it takes me out of the story. The writing was great, the story was great, but it could've been so much stronger. I made several pages of notes while I was reading that I would love to give to the author just to help their writing be stronger because this story captured my heart from beginning to end, so please know that this is only because I want to help, not hinder.  Since a large portion of readers are not writers themselves these things will most likely not matter to them, again, it's an editor brain thing and there will be grammatical errors in every novel, it's not possible to have a novel free of errors.

 

All that said... Please pick up a copy of this book and read it with your kids—it is listed as YA, but I would say if a parent is reading to the child, it could also be appropriate for ages 10-12 (parents know their kids best, so you'll know if it's right for them.) But truly, it is a beautiful read.

 To get your copy of Fog & Fireflies click here or click the photo above.


#fogandfireflies #NetGalley