Tag: book-reviews

A Kingdom of Shadows (Lightseekers, #1): Review

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About the Book:

Title: A Kingdome of Shadows

Author: Emily Bain Murphy

Publisher: Waterbrook Children’s

Release Date: March 3, 2026

Pages: 320

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Synopsis:

A band of misfits seek to fight the darkness that’s slowly overcoming their kingdom—the start of a grand adventure series in the tradition of The Chroni

cles of Narnia and the Wingfeather Saga.

The shadows have been overtaking the light, ever since The Great Betrayal. Now, the sun shines increasingly dimmer, it takes more firewood to brighten a room, and the world is growing more desperate and dangerous by the day.

Twelve-year-old orphan Finn survives in this world by being a thief, along with his best friend Adrion and younger sister Lydia. When the three meet a mysterious stranger who claims to know of a lake of light, they set off on an adventure across the kingdom. They discover that Wildfel is a place of great danger and great beauty, where the mist can steal your most precious memories, starlight gathers in waterfalls, spiders spin shimmering webs of glass as deadly as they are dazzling. If they can find this mythical lake of light, it could change the course of their lives, and the kingdom itself.

There are also secrets hiding in the darkness that could change Finn’s very understanding of everything he knows to be true, even about himself—but only if he’s brave enough to step into the light.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Emily Bain Murphy is among my favorite authors, so I had to pick this one up! It is pitched as being similar to the Chronicles of Narnia and The Wingfeather Saga. The Chronicles of Narnia is one of my absolute favorite series, and I would say that the comparison checks. The story is so immersive, and the world building was beautifully detailed. There is also a marvelous adventure, and the characters show tremendous growth through the journey. I also really enjoyed the theme of light vs darkness.

Finn and Lydia are very likable protagonists, along with all of the friends that they meet on their journey.

I’m really excited to continue the series, and I definitely recommend this one!

About the Author:

Emily Bain Murphy is a critically acclaimed author of books for adults and young adults. She was born in Indiana and raised in Hong Kong and Japan. She graduated from Tufts University and has also called Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California home.

Murphy is the author of the YA fantasies The Disappearances, which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and Splinters of Scarlet, which received starred reviews from School Library Journal and Bookpage and was nominated for the MASL Truman Readers’ Award. Both are available now from HarperCollins.

Murphy’s adult historical mystery Enchanted Hill is available now from Union Square and Co./Hachette. The Ivory City, a standalone adult historical mystery set at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, will be published in November 2025 from Union Square and Co./Hachette.

Murphys’s debut middle grade fantasy trilogy Lightseekers will be published in March 2026 from WaterBrook Multnomah/Penguin Randomhouse.

Murphy is represented by Peter Knapp at Park, Fine & Brower Literary and Media. She currently lives in the St. Louis area with her husband, three children, and a rescue bunny. Find her online at Instagram @emilybainmurphy and Facebook @emilybainmurphy.

His Reluctant Duchess: The Scandalous Stringhams: Review

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About the Book:

Title: His Reluctant Duchess

Author: Samantha Hastings

Publisher: Scribbling Pens

Release Date: February 5, 2026

Pages: 247

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance

Synopsis:

Mantheria, the Duchess of Glastonbury, is recently widowed and has no interest in marrying again. But when her son, Andrew, runs away on an adventure, she turns to her dear friend Sunny, the Duke of Sunderland, for help. Together, they follow the clues to find not only her son but the broken pieces of their hearts.

PRAISE FOR THE SCANDALOUS

“VERDICT [Accidental Courtship with the Earl] Hastings presents a sweet, spirited Regency romance. Full of heartwarming humor, this sixth book to feature a member of the Stringham family can be read as a stand-alone.”—Library Journal

“VERDICT [Debutante with a Dangerous Past] With romance, mystery, and scandal, Hastings’s latest book has it all. Perfect for a quick weekend read and for fans of Regency romance.”—Library Journal

“VERDICT [The Marquess and the Runaway Lady] Combining the Regency season with the runaway woman trope makes for a delightful story.”—Library Journal

 

 

 

Review:

*I received an arc from the author for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I’ve loved all the stories about the Stringham family, so I was absolutely delighted to get Mantheria and Sunny’s story! We’ve had bits and pieces of their story in the other books, but now the focus is on them. His Reluctant Duchess was the perfect ending to what has become a beloved series for me. Samanta Hasting’s books always seem to come to me at the right time too. I needed an uplifting story at the time that I read it. This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the rest of the series first.

Mantheria is recently widowed and doesn’t plan on marrying again. Then, she must embark on an adventure with Sunny after her eleven- year- old son, Andrew goes missing. As they follow the clues to find Andrew, they find themselves picking up the broken pieces of their hearts.

If you enjoy second chances, romance, and historical fiction I think you will enjoy this one. I highly recommend!

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

Maybe This Once (Rock Bottom Love #3): Review

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About the Book:

Title: Maybe This Once

Author: Sophie Sullivan

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Two people end up with more feelings than they bargained for after pursuing a summer fling, in this small-town, opposites-attract romance from Sophie Sullivan.

Charlotte “Charlie” Ashford has worked hard to become her own person. Tired of living in the shadow of her famous parents, she gladly left behind a life of glitz and glamour to pursue her true passion: becoming a counselor. However, when a viral video upends Charlie’s plans, she wonders if the real key to discovering herself is through her late father.

Grayson Keller has finally found his footing. He’s settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. By his third summer as owner, Get Lost Lodge is showing a steady profit and seeing its fair share of repeat visitors. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie, who he can’t seem to get out of his head.

On the surface, Charlie and Grayson seem to have nothing in common more than a growing attraction that neither of them can fight. Trusting each other isn’t easy. They’ve both been hurt before, and they’re not looking for anything serious. The solution is easy: they’ll date, have some fun, and walk away unscathed. Right? Or, maybe this once, they can see past the hurt to what, or who, is on the other side waiting for them.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I really enjoy Sophie Sullivan’s books, and this was such a cute addition to the Rock Bottom Love series. This book could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the other books in the series’ first as they are all interconnected.  If you enjoy small town, opposites attract, found family, and forced proximity tropes, I think you will enjoy this romance.

Charlie and Greyson are so cute together! They both came to the relationship with a lot of baggage, but I felt that that is what made it work for them. I love also how Charlie fit right in with the family and that Greyson has finally found someone. I had been waiting for his turn!

I definitely recommend!

 

About the Author:

SOPHIE SULLIVAN is a Canadian author as well as a cookie-eating, Diet Pepsi-drinking, Disney enthusiast. She’s written ten books for St. Martin’s Press, including Ten Rules for Faking It, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and the Rock Bottom Love series. She loves reading and writing romance in almost equal measure. She’s had plenty of practice writing happily ever after as her alter ego, Jody Holford.

Graceless Heart: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Graceless Heart (The Spellbound History Quartet, #1)

Author: Isabel Ibañez

Publisher: Saturday Books

Release Date: January 13, 2026

Pages: 488

Genre: Adult Fantasy, Adult Romance, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

A lush, atmospheric and achingly magical standalone adult fantasy romance set in Renaissance Italy from a #1 New York Times bestselling author.

In 15th-century Volterra, sculptress Ravenna Maffei enters a competition hosted by a secretive, immortal family who offer an invaluable boon to the victor. Desperate to win so she can save her brother, Ravenna reveals a rare magical talent–a dangerous act in a city where magic is forbidden. Her revelation makes her a target, and she is kidnapped by the Luni family and taken to Florence, a city of breathtaking beauty and cutthroat ambition.

There, Ravenna is forced into an impossible task where failure means certain death at the hands of Saturnino dei Luni, the family’s enigmatic and merciless heir. But under his cold reserve hides a vulnerability that draws her closer than she ever intended.

Meanwhile, Ravenna’s forbidden magic does not go unnoticed. The Pope, waging war against Florence, the Medici, and magic itself, has his own interest in her abilities, seeing her as a potential weapon in his ruthless campaign.

As alliances shift and war brews on the horizon, Ravenna must navigate the treacherous line between survival and betrayal, between love and duty. With time running out and her every move watched, the choices she makes will determine the fate of not just her own life, but the fragile balance of magic and power that could unravel Florence itself.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher. Thank you to Netgalley and Saturday Books for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I love Isabel Ibañez’s writing, so it should have come as no surprise that I would enjoy Graceless Heart. Y’all, I LOVED it! I thought this was a fantastic adult debut, and it is one of my favorite books of the year!

I adored the setting of Renaissance Italy! I could tell that this was well researched, as I felt as though I was drawn back in time, and could picture everything quite vividly. There was a lot of political intrigue, and the Pope and the Medici family are among the cast of characters. Then add in magic, which made it chef’s kiss!

Ravenna is such a strong and fascinating female protagonist. I enjoyed watching her growth throughout the story. The love of her family is one of the things that drives her character the most, and I think that’s great. I would do just about anything for my family. Despite everything she comes up against, she doesn’t stop fighting, and she is truly inspiring. Saturnino gave me some whiplash, but I wound up adoring him.

Overall, this story was just beautiful and I highly recommend it! This is a standalone, but there will be future books set in this world, and I can’t wait for more!

About the Author:

Isabel Ibañez is a USA Today, Indie, Sunday Times, and #1 New York Times bestseller and the author of the Secrets of the Nile duology, Together We Burn, Written in Starlight, and Woven in Moonlight, which is listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time and was a finalist for the William C. Morris award. She is the proud daughter of Bolivian immigrants and has a profound appreciation for history, traveling, and writing stories where her characters are often running for their lives. She currently lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her family, their adorable golden doodle, and an overwhelming amount of books.

You Make It Feel Like Christmas: Review

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About the Book:

Title: You Make It Feel Like Christmas

Author: Sophie Sullivan

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Release Date: September 23, 2025

Pages: 320

Genre: Christmas, Romance, Holiday

Synopsis:

 

All bets are off when a single-minded photographer and a professional hockey player are forced to spend a week together on his sister’s Christmas tree farm, perfect for fans of Jenny Holiday and Maggie Knox.

Maisie Smart has a don’t-look-back policy–not on the choice she made to be a photographer (despite her family’s wishes) and not on the one-night stand she had six months ago. Sleeping with someone she barely knew was out of character; sleeping with a professional hockey player who bolted the morning after is a whole new level of embarrassing. Getting invited to spend the week at Tickle Tree Farm with her family this Christmas is a sure way to fill her with holiday spirit. Until the universe throws a Grinch in her festive plans in the form of the one man she hoped to avoid.

Nick King is a mess. After a significant injury lands him on the bench for every game for the rest of the month, he has more time to dwell on the one night stand he can’t get out of his head. With time on his hands, his anxiety hovering, and the holidays around the corner, he figures visiting his sister and nephew at their Christmas tree farm will be a good way to lie low and sort himself out. He’s in for a surprise when it turns out Maisie is staying at his sister’s and his attraction for her hasn’t lessened one bit in the last six months. Apparently, neither has her anger at him for bailing. But Christmas is the time for second chances, and the forced proximity may help Nick and Maisie unwrap feelings neither of them can walk away from twice.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

This was such a fun and festive holiday read! I finished it right after New Year’s, so it was the perfect time for me. If you’re a fan of holiday romances and/or contemporary romances, I think you will enjoy this one. Honestly, this could be read and enjoyed at any time during the year. I also appreciated the anxiety rep that the author handled rather well throughout the story.

Maisie a photographer, and Nick a professional hockey player, had a one-night stand 6 months ago. They haven’t talked to each other since then. Maisie is invited to a Christmas Tree farm to take photographs of the farm and spend the holidays with her family.  The owner of the tree farm and inn winds up being the sister of Nick, and they are shocked at seeing each other. They are forced to spend a week together, as they are all there with family for the holidays. Will they get a second chance?

I definitely recommend!

About the Author:

SOPHIE SULLIVAN is a Canadian author as well as a cookie-eating, Diet Pepsi-drinking, Disney enthusiast. She’s written ten books for St. Martin’s Press, including Ten Rules for Faking It, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and the Rock Bottom Love series. She loves reading and writing romance in almost equal measure. She’s had plenty of practice writing happily ever after as her alter ego, Jody Holford.

Fallen City (Fallen City Duology #1): Review

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About the Book:

Title: Fallen City

Author: Adrienne Young

Publisher: Saturday Books

Release Date: November 4, 2025

Pages: 416

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

In the great walled city of Isara, political turmoil ignites a rebellion one hundred years in the making. But when a legionnaire falls in love with a Magistrate’s daughter, their love will threaten the fate of the city and the will of the gods.

Luca Matius has one purpose—to carry on the family name, maintaining its presence in the Forum once his powerful and cruel uncle dies. But his noviceship with the city’s Philosopher places him in the middle of a catastrophe that will alter the destiny of his people.

Maris Casperia was raised amidst the strategic maneuvers of the Citadel’s inner workings, and she knows what her future holds—a lifetime of service to a corrupt city. But her years of serving as a novice to the last Priestess who possesses the stolen magic of the Old War has made her envision a different kind of future for the city. When she meets Luca, a fated chain of events is set into motion that will divinely entangle their lives.

As a secret comes to light and throws the city into chaos, Luca and Maris hatch a plot to create a calculated alliance that could tip the scales of power. But when an execution forces Luca to become the symbol of rebellion, he and Maris are thrown onto opposite sides of a holy war. As their fates diverge, they learn they are at the center of a story the gods are writing. And even if they can find their way back to each other, there may be nothing left.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Fallen City sounded really amazing, and I love Adrienne Young, but this one unfortunately didn’t wind up a favorite.

I think the structure of the book really impacted my feelings regarding the story. The story is told in dual timelines and alternating points of view, between the main characters, Maris and Luca. I think the flip flopping between past and present became confusing at times. There are also gods and a magic system in the story that I feel needed to be more fleshed out.

The ending of the story winds up on a cliffhanger and I am disappointed in the direction that the two main characters seem to be headed. I still want to read the next book to see what happens, and hopefully the author will clear up some of the things that were confusing in the first.

 

About the Author:

Adrienne Young is the New York Times and international bestselling author of the Sky and Sea duology, the Fable series, and Spells for Forgetting. When she’s not writing, you can find Adrienne on her yoga mat, on a walk in the woods, or planning her next travel adventure. She lives and writes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

For information on release, appearances, ARCs, giveaways, and exclusive content, sign up for the newsletter at https://adrienneyoungbooks.com/

Instagram: @adrienneyoungbooks

Give Me A Reason: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Give Me A Reason

Author: Jayci Lee

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Pages: 352

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

A Korean drama actress gets her second chance at love with the man she left in order to save her family–if she can work up the courage to risk her heart on forever…one last time.

For ten years, Anne Lee told herself that Frederick Nam was her past. In order to save her father from bankruptcy, she left Frederick for an acting career in Korea. This was the only way she could stop him from following her and ruining his future. It was the best way she could love him.

After Anne left, Frederick spent years loving her, missing her, and hating her until he decided to live his life for himself. He followed his dream and became a firefighter in Culver City. He didn’t need romance. He had his work and his friends.

When Anne returns to Los Angeles, she and Frederick are thrown together in the same wedding—she as her cousin’s bridesmaid and he as his friend’s groomsman. Even though he is angry and distant with her, Anne can no longer deny that she never got over him. Not even close.

With so much hurt and uncertainty between them, Anne and Frederick suffer their love in silence. But all it would take is a single leap of faith to bring them together…

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

This was such a sweet story! If you love Persuasion and second chance romance, then I think you will enjoy this one.

Anne is a Korean drama actress who gets her second chance at love with the man she left in order to save her family. She just needs to work up the courage to risk her heart on forever one more time.

Anne and Frederick were absolutely adorable! I enjoyed getting both of their POVs. I wish we had had a little more of their backstory included though. I really enjoyed the family dynamics and the friendships in this one. Overall, a unique retelling!

I recommend! I hope to read more from this author in the future.

About the Author:

Jayci Lee writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance featuring Korean American main characters. Her books have been in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, Hollywood Reporter, E! News, and Women’s World. Jayci is retired from her fifteen-year career as a litigator because of all the badass heroines and drool worthy heroes demanding to have their stories told. Food, wine and travel are her jam. She makes her home in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys, and a fluffy rescue.

Wild Reverence: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Wild Reverence

Author: Rebecca Ross

Publisher: Saturday Books

Release Date: September 2, 2025

Pages: 527

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:

Dear Matilda, I wrote.
I let the words flow for her.
And when the ink dried,
I gave my very heart
to the fire.

Born in the firelit domain of the under realm, Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic she uses to carry words and letters through the realms. But the gods will kill for power, and Matilda holds a secret she must hide from even her dearest allies.

And there is a mortal who dreams of her, though they have never met in the waking world. Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett wrote to Matilda on the darkest night of his life—begging the goddess he befriended in dreams to help him. His request went unanswered, and Vincent became a hardened, irreverent lord of the river who has long forgotten Matilda . . . until she comes tumbling into his bedroom window with a letter for him.

Matilda and Vincent were fated to find each other beyond dreams. But to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods, Matilda will have to face something she fears even more than losing her magic: finally allowing herself to be loved.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Solid adult debut! Rebecca Ross is one of my favorite authors, so I will read anything that she writes. Wild Reverence is the prequel story to the Letters of Enchantment duology. Her writing is just so vivid and sumptuous and pulls me into her stories.

Wild Reverence started out a little slowly for me, but once I really got into it, it was harder to put down. I really love Matilda and Vincent, and I appreciated how we got to know their characters over time and what really made them tick. They came up against so many challenges, and I loved how they persevered despite it all. The romance between them felt like a classic romance, and I loved this! The magic system and world building were spot on.

I recommend! Can’t wait to read more from Rebecca!

About the Author:

Rebecca Ross is the #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy books for teens and adults.

She has written multiple highly acclaimed duologies, including LETTERS OF ENCHANTMENT, ELEMENTS OF CADENCE, and THE QUEEN’S RISING as well as two standalone novels: DREAMS LIE BENEATH and SISTERS OF SWORD & SONG.

When not writing, she can be found in her garden where she plants wildflowers and story ideas. She resides in Northeast Georgia with her husband and her dog. Find her on Instagram @beccajross or online at www.rebeccarossauthor.com.

Rebecca is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary & Media.

A Land So Wide: Review

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About the Book:

Title: A Land So Wide

Author: Erin A. Craig

Publisher: Pantheon

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Pages: 368

Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

From the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of House of Roots and Ruin, an irresistible blend of dark fairytale and romantic fantasy set in the beautiful but brutal Canadian wilderness.

Like everyone else in the settlement of Mistaken, Greer Mackenzie is trapped. Founded by an ambitious Scottish lumber merchant, the tiny town on the edge of the American continent is blessed with rich natural resources that have made its people prosperous—but at a cost. The same woods that have lined the townsfolks’ pockets harbor dangerous beasts: wolves, bears, and the Bright-Eyeds—monsters beyond description who have rained utter destruction down on nearby settlements. But Mistaken’s founders made a deal with the mysterious Benevolence: the Warding Stones that surround the town will keep the Bright-Eyeds out—and the town’s citizens in. Anyone who spends a night within Mistaken’s borders belongs to it forever.

Greer, a mapmaker and eccentric dreamer, has always ached to explore the world outside, even though she knows she and her longtime love, Ellis Beaufort, will never see it. Until, on the day she and Ellis are meant to finally begin their lives together, Greer watches in horror as her beloved disappears beyond the Warding Stones, pursued by a monstrous creature. Swiftly realizing that the stories she was raised on might be more myth than fact, Greer figures out a way to escape Mistaken for the very first time. Determined to rescue Ellis, she begins a trek through the cold and pitiless wilderness. But Greer is being hunted, not only by the ruthless Bright-Eyeds but by the secret truths behind Mistaken’s founding, as well as her own origins.

Playfully drawing from Scottish folklore, Erin A. Craig’s adult debut is both a deeply atmospheric and profoundly romantic exploration of freedom versus security: a stunning celebration of one woman’s relentless bravery on a quest to reclaim her lost love—and claim her own future.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I love Erin A. Craig, and her writing in this one is what drew me in! This was solid for her adult debut, drawing from Scottish folklore.

I absolutely loved the atmosphere she creates in the beginning of the story. It’s so romantic and gothic feeling. I definitely could relate to the character’s sense of being trapped within the town and feeling as though they had no idea what was out in the world. I did a buddy read for this one, and we both agreed that the events described in the synopsis did not really take place until about half-way through the book and felt as though they were already a given.

The story was well written overall, with the first half being very atmospheric and romantic. The second half of the book felt more rushed to me.

I recommend and can’t wait to read more from this author!

About the Author:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig has always loved telling stories.

After getting her B.F.A. from the University of Michigan, in Theatre Design and Production, she stage managed tragic operas with hunchbacks, séances, and murderous clowns, then decided she wanted to write books that were just as spooky.

An avid reader, decent quilter, rabid basketball fan, and collector of typewriters, brass figurines, and sparkly shoes, Erin makes her home in West Michigan with her husband and daughter.

To find out more about Erin and the worlds she creates, follow @penchant4words on Instagram and Threads.

She is represented by Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic.

Debts of Fire (The Sunbolt Chronicles #3): Review

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About the Book:

Title: Debts of Fire

Author: Intisar Khanani

Publisher: Snowy Wings Publishing 

Release Date: July 8, 2025

Pages: 396

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

A hunted mage. A cursed land. An impossible debt.

When Hitomi first crossed the Burnt Lands to rescue her mentor from unjust imprisonment, the phoenix came to her aid. His price? Release the monster-riddled lands from the curses that have raged there for centuries—a fight more than a few mages have lost their lives to.

Now Hitomi is back, her magic bound within her and the High Council of Mages’ best rogue hunters on her heels. Luckily for the phoenix, Hitomi’s not about to let little details like that keep her from paying her debts.

But when an allied mage wreaks havoc with her plans, Hitomi plunges into a desperate race to stop the work she started. It will take every ally Hitomi can summon, and whatever tricks she has left up her sleeve, to divert the spells of the Burnt Lands before their cataclysmic power destroys everything—and everyone—in their path.

 

Review:

*Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC. All thoughts are my own*

This is the third installment of the Sunbolt chronicles and the further adventures of Hitomi. The story begins shortly after Memories of Ash. Hitomi begins to slowly deal with everything that has happened to her. She begins to deal with her grief, her disappointments, etc. I felt as though she was able to heal a little from the wounds of her past. What I really enjoyed about this book, was that it really explores Hitomi’s relationships with the characters. I love how it builds on her relationships with Hulda, the Phoenix, Val and others. 

Some parts of the book when Hitomi spent time in the wastelands and the desert dragged for me honestly. I felt as though the book could have been a little shorter without some of the descriptions of her training, etc. I did like learning about the different cultures that she encountered on her journey though.

I am excited to continue the conclusion of the series and see where Hitomi will go next! 

 

About the Author:

Intisar Khanani writes mighty girls in diverse worlds. Prior to publishing, she ran a student volunteer center, helped hospitals stay afloat, and developed projects to reduce infant mortality—which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she pens fantasy novels about young women motivated by compassion, empathy, and radical kindness taking on systemic injustice, facing down monsters, and forging the families they need.

Intisar is the author of The Sunbolt Chronicles and the Dauntless Path novels. Two of her books were Kirkus Reviews picks for Best Teen and YA Fantasy Novels of the Year. She is deeply honored to serve as the 2026 Writer in Residence for the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library.

To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar’s monthly author newsletter.