The Black Witch by Laurie Forest

The Black Witch Chronicles

The Black Witch * The Light Mage * The Iron Flower *

The Shadow Wand  

Publish Date: May 2nd, 2017
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format Reviewed: Hardback
Series: The Black Witch Chronicles
Author: Laurie Forest
Author’s Goodreads

Author's Twitter
Author's Website
My Review on Goodreads

Introduction

Elloren Gardner lives in a world that prizes those who can use magic, and she has no magic ability whatsoever. To make matters worse, she is the granddaughter of the famed Carnissa Gardner, the Black Witch with immense power who saved the Garderian people in a war. She goes to school that admits all manner of students, including those she was raised to have prejudices against. As the year goes on, she learns that what she, and all Garderians, have been taught is incredibly biased in favour of the belief that Garderians are the "pure" race. As the truth of their world's history is revealed to her and political tensions rise, she has to see past the discrimination she was raised with and stand with the downtrodden. 

Story 

This is a story of overcoming prejudices that one is raised with. The reader knows that it's racism and it is bad, but we get to see the MC and those around her unravel their previous preconceptions. We can see from the beginning of the book that she is a good person in other ways, and she slowly comes around, even when her circumstances are difficult. If you stopped reading 1/4 of the way through, you miss out on her growth and how she learns the truth. This isn't the first book ever written to have this plot. 

World Building/Characters

I greatly enjoyed being in this book's world. There are many different kinds of people from mythology with histories and religions of their own. The politics were a bit difficult for more to keep up with, but in the end, it isn't too complicated. There are a variety of lands that we hear about, but we don't see. I'm hoping that in the next installments we get to see some of the places that were mentioned. Magic is a key component in this book, yet we don't get to see much of it happening until the later bits of the book. Magic is facilitated with wands which I'm not the biggest fan of (maybe because it reminds me of Harry Potter). 

All of the characters in this book are so detailed. We are told about where they come from, some of their cultures, and then we glean their personalities from their actions/dialogue. There are a lot of flawed characters, which I appreciate. There is the standard "bully", who isn't going to learn anything at least in this book, but there are other characters who are also flawed and they grow. It is so heartbreaking when you learn that characters want something, but it cannot be accomplished because of a cultural/religious restraint.  

Writing

The only negative thing I can say about this is some of the writing. Everyone says Elloren Gardner's name in just about every third sentence. No one talks like this. The main character is also crying every five-ish minutes so the act of crying loses its impact. 

Final Verdict

I greatly enjoyed reading this book. This is a flawed fantasy world full of racism and dogma. We have young characters who get to know one another and who band together to make a difference before everything gets much, much worse. I'd run out and buy the next books that are already published, but pandemic. Now I have to wait. 

(extra gif below, if you dare.)

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Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke & Bone Series

Daughter of Smoke & Bone * Days of Blood & Starlight * Night of Cake & Puppets *
Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Publish Date: April 8th, 2014
Publisher: Hachette Audio, Audible Audio | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Format Reviewed: Audiobook
Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Narrated By: Khristine Hvam
Author’s Goodreads
Author's Website
My Review on Goodreads

Introduction

The chimaera and seraphim war spills over into the human world, causing chaos on earth. An unsteady alliance is formed, and Karou and Akiva's long-ago dream of peace is rekindled. Meanwhile on earth, Eliza, a 24-year-old researcher, has dreams of monsters flooding the sky. Her occupation entangles her in the chimaera/seraphim conflict, but her past threatens to complicate her involvement. 

Side Story 

This book also starts out with new characters and a story that does intersect with the main story eventually. Until the first "twist" of Eliza's story, I didn't care too much. She does become very important later on, which has a bigger payoff to the side story than the second book's side story. Overall though, it weighted down on the main story. Listening to the audiobook in my car as I drove, I can't fast-forward through it (a sin, I know. If I was reading it I would have skimmed).

Audiobook

The narrator of the audiobook, Khristine Hvam, is fabulous. Liraz was previously pronounced "lah-ratz" and now it's more like "lee-raz", which is probably more accurate, but I listened to two books with the first pronunciation and now it's jarring. Other than that, I'm going to miss hearing this amazing narrator.

Ending

Ouch, that ending. I feel like it cut off when an even BIGGER conflict was introduced. I expected there to be another series about this mega scary terrible threat but...not as of now. That was disappointing.

Final Verdict

The end of the trilogy still held me as did the other books, though I wasn't too interested in Eliza's story until maybe about half-way. The writing is still beautiful, though it gets a bit repetitious with the constant reminds that Zuzana looks like a doll. I was also hoping to learn more about the Stelians, especially after they come off as some kind of nefarious force. The ending also cut off by introducing a great threat and leaving the reader hanging, so that was not very cool. But overall, we got to see the ending to the big plot points and we got to see the conclusions to a lot of characters, and it was great.

Odriel's Heirs by Hayley Reese Chow

Publish Date: March 1st, 2020
Format Reviewed: ebook
Series: Odriel's Heirs
Author: Hayley Reese Chow
Author’s Goodreads
Author's Website
My Review on Goodreads

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Introduction

Kaia is the Dragon Heir, as was her father before her, and yields flame to protect the land of Okarria. A necromancer's undead army is threatening the world and she, along with the Time Heir and the Shadow Heir, must defeat him and his hordes of the undead. But they are missing an Heir and must continue on, hoping to find him along the way. They meet a large cast of characters, including a talking cat and a magus, and they gather allies and head to the final showdown.

Characters 

This book sports a vast cast of characters, my favourites being Shad (a talking cat) and Gus (her loyal fire-proof canine). There are some interesting fantasy creatures who become allies, plus Kaia's infuriating twin brother Bram, a magus, and more humans. I usually dislike large casts of characters but I managed here easily, perhaps because everyone had their own personalities and it was easy to remember who everyone is. 

Protagonist 

The main character wasn't perfect, and I can see exactly why she is a bit abrasive. She has been hated since she was a child, and then she was expected to sacrifice everything and go save them? I also like characters with faults, because you know...everyone has faults. No one is perfect. In real life, we don't toss a person in the bin if they have a flaw. People are complex and that's awesome. She has the power of fire that is linked to her emotions. At seventeen, that's a lot to handle, and there's a war going on.

War

It's war. People die. Characters that you have grown attached to die. And stay dead. And I very much like that this story didn't shy away from that. I appreciated that when they fight, they hare injured and exhausted and need a lot of time to recover. It drives me bananas when characters go through so much and go directly into the next battle like it's nothing, even when they suffer huge injuries. We also get to see Kaia's grief at a few points in the story, and that was great. She's young and in her first battles, you don't walk away from that all sunshine and rainbows.

Final Thoughts

I loved this book and I highly recommend it. It was an engaging read that held my interest. If you like fantasy with life-or-death battles with consequences, I think you will enjoy this book.

*~*Below is a spoiler, so don't read it if you haven't read it!*~* 

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Ending Spoiler:

I was nearing the end of this book, cuddling my dog, when the scene with Gus happened. I gasped "Nooo!" AND THEY DID IT BECAUSE THEY HAD TO AND I COULDN'T EVEN.

If Gus didn't get a good ending I would have lost it. I was afraid this book was going to do me dirty, but it saved me right at the end. All is well in the world now, I'm fine.

Night of Cake & Puppets by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke & Bone Series

Daughter of Smoke & Bone * Days of Blood & Starlight * Night of Cake & Puppets *

Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Publish Date: November 26th, 2013
Publisher: Hachette Audio, Audible Audio | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Format Reviewed: Audiobook
Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Narrated By: Khristine Hvam & Kevin T. Collins
Author’s Goodreads
Author's Website
My Review on Goodreads

Introduction

This novella details Zuzana courting Mik and their first date. This is alluded to in the main series, but this small book delves into how she was able to make a map that led to herself as the prize (hint: magic). It starts with a story about Zuzana bringing Karou to her family's workshop, and we get to hear more about her family life. In the audiobook, Mik is voiced by a male when the chapters are in his POV.

Final Verdict

This is very quirky and sweet, devoid of the seriousness of the series. does have some magical elements and some comedy. If you have read up to the second book in this series, you already know the basis of what happened. The writing is still fantastic, so if you like Taylor's writing style, it does not disappoint. According to the author's website, the ebook and physical copy has illustrations inside, some of which are on her website. If you don't like romance or overly sweet scenarios, this may not be for you, as it is a departure from the tone of the rest of the series. However, it is only 2 hours and 46 minutes long, so it's not a huge commitment.

Fun fact: Marionettes creep me out.

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke & Bone Series

Daughter of Smoke & Bone * Days of Blood & Starlight * Night of Cake & Puppets *
Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Publish Date: November 06th, 2012

Publisher: Hachette Audio, Audible Audio | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Format Reviewed: Audiobook
Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Narrated By: Khristine Hvam
Author’s Goodreads
Author's Website
My Review on Goodreads

Introduction

Now that Karou knows who she is, she joins the chimaera fight against the angels, just as she had in her previous life. As their resurrectionist, she follows in Brimstone's footsteps and fights for peace. However, as hard as she works and as valuable as her services are, not all the chimaera are to be trusted. Not all the chimaera have forgiven Madgril for falling in love with an angel. Akiva, meanwhile, is with the angels again, but not completely. He too is fighting for a way to end the war without more bloodshed. 

Trigger Warning (Sexual Assault)

Before I go further, there is a long scene of (attempted) sexual assault. If this isn't for you, you might want to skip this book, or skip the pages/times spans of it. While this event does influence the story directly after it, I didn't like that it was so detailed and it went on forever. Personally, I would have liked it to have been written so that the reader knows what's happening without all the details.

But, there was an awful lot of implied rape in other parts of the book. So if this is something that truly bothers a reader, this might be hard to read.

Love

The love here was...complicated. With good reason. I personally like revenge more, but that wouldn't make an intriguing book because Karou can't just kill Akiva. Did her sad internal monologue go on too long? Yes. Did the other potential love interest replace him? No. It was awkward and I didn't want to hear about how much he liked her as a young boy. But this other love interest did some amazing things otherwise and is an awesome character.   

Ressurection/Magic

This book gives you some more information on how resurrection and their magic works. I still have way too many questions about how resurrection works (making a body for a soul, and then the body isn't right anyway and the original form takes over anyway?). At least we can learn what teeth are for. Although, again, Karou's inner monologue about the monstrosities she is creating got very old.

I know, it's weird, Karou, but he's battle-ready.

Final Verdict  

With the exception of the trigger warning, I did enjoy this book. It is just as beautifully written as the first book. I feel that it is needlessly padded with repeated thoughts of uncertainty regarding Akiva, how war is bad, etc. There are also some more characters that are introduced and some of them (the ones introduced in the beginning) just don't really go anywhere. Once they run away to safety, that's it. It bogs down the story quite a bit. However, the core story is still great. The ending is absolutely crazy and I can't wait to listen to the next book.

Tangled Webs by Lee Bross

Publish Date: June 23, 2015
Format Reviewed: Hardback
Series: Tangled Webs
Author: Lee Bross
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

Introduction

In 1725 London, secrets are currency, and everyone who is anyone has some secrets they don't want to lose. Enter Lady A, the 16-year-old-girl who collects and exchanges secrets from clients for her nefarious boss, Bones. To keep her safe is Nic, standing nearby, while she threatens surly men in ballrooms. It's all pretense, because when they go home to their dilapidated rooms, they are orphans, starving and hungry. Arista - the girl behind the mask of Lady A - has bigger dreams of escaping, maybe, even to India. If Bones discovers her traitorous thoughts, he'd end her, but she has learned a thing or two about secrets and shady deals, and she may stand a chance. 

Setting

You don't see 1725 London very often in YA books. This has just enough details in setting to get by, but not enough to write an essay about it. Also, balls are pretty, outside is gross because it is full of the...not rich people. 

Also, who's teaching these street kids how to read? Just wondering.

Hey, a real person from history is in this book too. The video below is a bit of a spoiler, but this person did exist in real life, so readers may already know the real-life counterpart. 

Main Character

I see the main criticism in this book is Arista. She's apparently the best extorter of secrets London has ever seen, and she makes stupid decisions. Yes. She's 16. It's a rite of passage to think with your heart rather than your head. You also think you have everything under control when everything is actually on fire. And...Bones was the one pulling the strings and feeding the rumours of how dangerous she was. It's pretense and a show, and it's the life she has lived for quite some time. 

Instalove 

Yes, it does happen here. However, this is a (in no particular order) historical fiction YA romance. I admit, I was intrigued, as there is also a love triangle (which I also don't usually like). But Grae is a saint with all his patience, which makes it incredibly unbelievable. No one is that good. 

Book Aesthetic 

Thought I'd mention that this book does have these lovely lace decal pages. I thought it was a nice touch on the aesthetics of the book, especially with the bold use of black pages. So it's more than just plain text on pages, which was nice. 

Final Verdict

I found this to be an entertaining romp of 18th-century London. I didn't care for the beginning because of the irritating dumps of her history that should have been written in better. It was a fast read, so that's a bonus for some readers. Goodreads says this is a series, but this was published in 2015 and I don't see the sequel. Either way, this book wraps up nicely as a stand-alone. I recommend this to teens who want a historical fiction YA with lots of romance, with a bit of thriller elements (but not too much).  

Spellbound by JoAnne Keltner

Pagan Light

Possessed * Spellbound

Publish Date: July 28th, 2019
Format: ebook
Series: Pagan Light
Author: JoAnne Keltner
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Introduction

Psychic and healer, Jackie is coming to terms with her unique abilities and is thinking of her future. She has also begun a relationship with David, the seminarian. However, before David can become a priest, he must marry or forever be without a wife. Time is ticking for David, and Jackie has to decide if she wants to be with him forever, despite not knowing him for long. When the opportunity to go with him to Russia arises, she goes to spend more time with him, plus she can learn about her great-grandmother's mysterious past as well. Unfortunately for Jackie, something wicked is afoot, and she is going to have to deal with it. 

Love

This book definitely subverted my expectations about the Jackie/David relationship, and that was well-played. It ran through my mind a lot, and I felt like Jackie's mom (OMG you're going to RUSSIA with someone you barely know?!). It all comes together in the end though, and I'm stoked to read about what happens to David in the next book. Ultimately, I really like David as a person.

I still dislike Jason, though. Yes, he came through in this book. Nope, still don't like him.   

Final Verdict

I enjoyed this book even more than the first! Going to rural Russia and interacting with the family and unearthing Babu's secrets was awesome. Once the truth comes out, it was quite the ride. It ended abruptly, but that just means that I'm going to have to read the next one when it comes out. I highly recommend this if you like YA/New YA and paranormal books. 

*~*Below is a spoiler, so don't read it if you don't want the big twist to be ruined!*~*

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Side note, this is also reminiscent of the film Hot Fuzz. Here, have a gif: 

  

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke & Bone Series

Daughter of Smoke & Bone * Days of Blood & Starlight * Night of Cake & Puppets *
Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Publish Date: September 27th, 2011
Publisher: Hachette Audio, Audible Audio | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Format: Audiobook
Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Author: Laini Taylor

Narrated By: Khristine Hvam
Author’s Goodreads

Author's Website

My Review on Goodreads

Introduction

If you knew Karou, you'd know she's raised by what she calls monsters, and she loves them dearly. She fills her sketchbooks with them, human-animal hybrids, and after art school and hanging out with friends, she goes to her father's shop. Her father, Brimstone, the goat-ox hybrid, is a wish monger who trades impossible wishes for teeth. And Karou runs his errands, collecting teeth from those willing to part with them, until everything is interrupted by old foes, old war, and old lovers.

Setting - Prague

I really enjoyed that it was set in a place I am unfamiliar with. Not that there's anything bad with writing what you know, but I've had enough of Canada and the US. I was lost for a bit with all the different names/terms, but I grew to love the unfamiliarity of it. Taylor uses enough local sights, food, etc, so you can look stuff up if you want to, but she gives enough context that you can understand what she's talking about.

Fantasy Elements

I think the best part of this book is the fantastical elements. The chimaeras, the human-animal hybrids, are imaginative in their character designs and have robust personalities, my favourite being Brimstone. Then there are the otherworldly elements of the space Karou and her family live in, what wishes are and what they can do, and everything about Karou's existence.

Writing

This seems to be what throws people off of Taylor's writing. The author uses a lot of smilies and metaphors, and flowery writing, which I quite like, but I get that the preference lately is to have less flourish. I did find it to be a bit long, though. It took me a few months to finish it, and that only happened because I moved out of the city so my commute to work doubled. A little too much description bogged down the flow. (Alas, I am conflicted, because I also loved hearing about the new locales and people...)

Love

Eh. I didn't love the love here. Dude is trying to kill her, then he...pines for her. Then they meet up again and she...lets him hang around?

But.

I love what happens after.

Final Verdict

I enjoyed that this book didn't plunk you in as an outsider that needs everything explained right away. It kept the mystery going and in the meantime, we got to see Karou go about her life, which includes school, exes, then running her family's errands. I could devour books based just on her life before it falls apart. I still feel like the first part of the book is vastly different from the second. I enjoyed both parts, but you could keep me in the day-to-day life of Karou forever and I'd be happy. Ultimately, I highly recommend this book if you like longer fantasy, paranormal, or urban fantasy stories. If you don't like these genres, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it because it is a lot to take in. But if this sounds intriguing to you, I highly recommend it. BTW, the narrator for this audiobook (Khristine Hvam) is FANTASTIC.

Timeless by Gail Carriger

Parasol Protectorate

Soulless * Changeless * Blameless * Heartless * Timeless

Publish Date: March 1st,  2012
Publisher: Orbit
Format: Paperback
Series: Parasol Protectorate
Author: Gail Carriger
Author’s Goodreads
Wikia (has spoilers!)
My Review on Goodreads

Disclaimer

This book is not typically found in the YA section of a library as the characters are older (MC is 26). It has some sexual content. I do contend that teens can enjoy the story and world, but some people may be upset about the sexual content. Totally fair. I usually only review content that is clearly marketed to teens, and this is not. I'm reviewing this because it is in the same universe as the YA Prudence and is the pre-story to that. So...

If you don't like some steamy content, please skip this review/book!

Introduction

Alexia and her husband Conall were busy living their Happily Ever After when they are summoned by a very important vampire Queen in Egypt. Apparently, their toddler who can touch an immortal and absorb their abilities has raised some eyebrows. To Egypt! Oh, wait. Also, old secrets are unearthed and repentance is in order. LGBT romances blossom. Pastries. Mummies. Water. Coffee. The end of the 5 book series. 

Final Verdict/End of the Series

So, the loose ends get tied up. Some more than others. But Alphas, Lyall, and Floote, her father's past are done. Undoubtedly, my favourite books in the series were the first and the last. The only question remaining is...

Why Would You Take Your Daughter to a Vampire Hive? 

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Next?

This was all to get into Prudence. Seriously. 5 books. I'm going to reread skim Prudence, and continue on. The world is phenomenal. 

Prince of Never by Juno Heart

Black Blood Fae

Prince of Never * King of Always

Publish Date: December 10th, 2019
Format: ebook
Series: Black Blood Fae
Author: Juno Heart
Author’s Goodreads
My Review on Goodreads

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Introduction

A fae prince is cursed with a poison in his body that makes him cruel and will eventually kill him. To end the curse, he has to either find his fated mate and marry her, or murder her. A human girl with a talent for singing is brought to his land. When he finds her he initially believes she is a troll, but no matter, he takes her to court as his possession. Things look fairly grim for the girl, but her mother painted these lands for years, so Lara knows not to trust fae beauty and to find a way home as soon as possible.

Fairy Romance

Hi, I'm new to the fairy romance genre. I'll give you the rundown: fae/fairies aren't Tinkerbell, they are full magical creatures that live in another realm. They can do magic. Usually connected to nature (like the weather, fire, etc.). They cannot lie. They are cunning and not to be trusted, because they will take advantage of you, simple mortal.   

Also, they are smouldering hot. And they know it.

Characters/Love Interest

I think this book qualifies as an Enemies to Lovers story. The way the male protagonist, Ever, was so bloody cruel to the heroine, Lara, was pretty irredeemable. But, that's the thing about this story. We find out that the prince is cursed. Not only will this curse kill him, which is pretty depressing, but this curse basically sucks out all the joy from him. He took pleasure in hurting others because of the curse, not because he's (necessarily) a bad person.

Lara was a great person as well. Stuck in the land of faerie where she is a pawn, prisoner, and plaything, she still uses her brain to get what she wants and gets things done. I appreciated that she didn't usually go with the flow for anything, she dared to manipulate the masters of manipulation when she could. Could have done with less constant questioning, though it was realistic. 

Final Verdict

I honestly couldn't put it down; I was so into it. Thankfully it was on my phone, so I could brush my teeth, cook dinner, etc., and keep reading. Characters are a little older, so I would technically classify it as New Adult, but more mature teens would like it. It gets steamy "behind the scene" and she's keenly aware of the situation when he puts her ahead of him on his horse. The ending is HEA (Happily Ever After), even says so in the Goodreads, but it's bittersweet if you think about it. Read it and find out why. I highly recommend this book.