Tag: books

Murder at Donwell Abbey (Emma Knightley Mysteries #2): Review

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About the Book:

Title: Murder at Donwell Abbey

Author: Vanessa Kelly

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Pages: 416

Genre: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

In this latest Regency-era mystery, Jane Austen’s clever Emma Knightley navigates shocking changes in her family—while meeting her match in a deadly adversary . . .

Emma’s spirits are elevated after she and husband George Knightley host a joyful holiday celebration at the Hartfield estate. But it’s instantly a bitter January when her father makes an unexpected announcement—he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry. Not only must Emma relinquish her role as mistress of the household, but also accept the reality that the excitable Miss Bates will become her stepmother . . .

More unwanted news arrives during an extravagant betrothal ball at Donwell Abbey, the grand Knightley estate where Emma and George will soon permanently reside. Nearly every villager in Highbury revels in the dazzling affair—except Emma’s hardworking lady’s maid, Prudence Parr. To Emma’s horror, Prudence is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace . . .

The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled a terrible accident and whispers circulate around personal troubles leading up to her untimely demise. But Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more sinister is at play. Now, Highbury’s matchmaker-turned-sleuth vows to outwit a cunning criminal before an innocent man loses his freedom—or Donwell Abbey plunges into a darker mystery . . .

Review:

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

4.5 rounded up to 5 

Murder at Donwell Abbey is book number two in the Emma Knightley Mystery Series. I was so excited for this book, and it did not disappoint! The story compelled me to read from beginning to end, and I had fun figuring out whodunnit. Perfect for Austen fans and fans of cozy mysteries! 

Emma and George Knightley host a fun holiday celebration at the Hartfield Estate. January begins with Mr. Woodhouse making an unexpected announcement-he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry! Emma comes to grips with the fact that she’ll have to give up her role as mistress of the estate and that Miss Bates will become her stepmother.

During a betrothal ball for Mr. Woodhouse and Miss Bates at Donwell Abbey (where Emma soon will reside with George), something dreadful happens! Her lady’s maid Prudence Parr is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace! 

The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled an accident, but rumors begin to circulate about her personal troubles leading up to her demise. Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more dire has occurred. Emma decides to investigate and outwit a cunning criminal to save an innocent man.

I absolutely loved the witty banter in this one! Emma is one of my favorite Austen characters, and it’s so fun reading a “continuation” of her life and seeing her as a sleuth. It was also so fun to see her teaming up with her future stepmother, Miss Bates! Her nephew Henry was also an absolute delight! I of course loved seeing more of Emma and George working together as well. 

I highly recommend this one! I really hope that author Vanessa Kelly writes more in this world, as I’m definitely on board for more Emma on the case.

 

 

About the Author:

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. Vanessa also wrote USA Today bestselling contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.

After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

Bitten: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Bitten 

Author: Jordan Stephanie Gray

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Pages: 384

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal

Synopsis:

Crescent City meets Fourth Wing in this fast-paced and romantic debut, in which a teenage girl must survive ruthless werewolves, a glittering court, and deadly politics to exact revenge on the monsters who destroyed her.

After a vicious werewolf attack on the night of her seventeenth birthday party, Vanessa Hart loses everything she loves in a split second. Her best friend, her father, and even her home.

Bitten and imprisoned without explanation, Vanessa endures an agonizing transformation into the very beast that maimed her, and her captors make it clear she cannot escape: she will either swear her life to the Wolf Queen’s Court, or she will die.

With no other choice, Vanessa joins their enchanted Castle Severi—where flowering vines grow through the walls, gifts are bestowed by the stars, and a claw can break through skin as easily as silk—but she hasn’t forgotten what they stole from her.

Vanessa still seeks vengeance, scheming in the shadows even as she finds herself mesmerized by the golden prince Sinclair Severi, who threatens to steal her heart though he is promised to her nemesis. And by his brooding, disgraced cousin, Calix, whose smoldering gaze hides even darker secrets. Immersed in the magic of their whimsical yet cruel society, Vanessa soon learns not all is as it seems.

The Court is at war, and she may simply be a pawn in its lethal game.

For Fans of:
Forbidden Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Werewolves
Paranormal Romance

Content Warning: murder, language, spice

Review:

*I received an ARC for review. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley and Toppling Stacks Tours for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I thought this was a solid debut for author Jordan Stephanie Gray. This was the werewolf story that I didn’t know that I needed! It pulled me in and wouldn’t let me go. It totally gave me Teen Wolf and The Vampire Diaries vibes. I don’t think I’ve read a good werewolf book since I read the Shiver series honestly. I absolutely loved the world building, dark academia school setting, the courtly intrigue, the characters, the friendships and the romance. I have to mention that after reading this, I would say it’s definitely for more mature readers at least 17+.

On the night of her seventeenth birthday, Vanessa Hart loses everything she loves after a vicious werewolf attack. She loses her best friend and soul mate, her father, and her home.

Bitten and taken prisoner without explanation, she endures painful transformations into the very creature that destroyed her life. Her captors make it quite clear that she must swear fealty to the Queen’s court, or she will die.

With no alternative, Vanessa joins Castle Severi, but she will not forget what they have taken from her.

She schemes vengeance all while finding herself enchanted by Prince Sinclair Severi and his disgraced cousin, Calix. Immersed in this magical society, Vanessa learns that not all is as it appears, and she just may be a pawn in the Court’s war.

This story had a lot of twists and turns along the way. It started off really strong, but I feel like the ending was a bit rushed and took away some of my good feelings. I am hopeful that there will be a sequel and that we can have more in this world.

Definitely recommend!

About the Author:

Jordan Stephanie Gray is the debut author of the young adult werewolf romantasy, Bitten, and the adult mermaid romantasy, The Wicked Sea.

When she isn’t dreaming up the fantastical and romantic, she is likely cuddling her two pugs and two chihuahuas in sunny Florida.

You can follow her journey through up-to-date newsletters on Substack and on Instagram.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Tour Schedule:

September 29th
Eye-Rolling Demigod’s Book Blog – Review
Betwixt the Sheets – Promotional Post

September 30th
the nutty bookworm reads alot – Review
Kim’s Book Reviews and Writing Aha’s – Top 5 Reasons to Read Bitten, Tik Tok

October 1st
Avni Reads – Review
The Clever Reader – Promotional Post

October 2nd
Boys’ Mom Reads! – Review
The violet west – Review, Journal Spread

October 3rd
Nerd Girl Loves Books – Review
The Book Dutchesses – Promotional Post

October 4th
Ilovebooksandstuffblog – Review

October 5th
Ashleigh’s Bookshelf – Review

Purchase Links:

https://a.co/d/h3jqu0r

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bitten-jordan-stephanie-gray/1146511118?ean=9780316584548

https://bookshop.org/p/books/bitten-deluxe-limited-edition-jordan-stephanie-gray/7abf4e6a77cf733b?ean=9780316584548&next=t

More Than Life: A YA Historical Fantasy: Review

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About the Book:

Title: More Than Life

Author: Bethanie Finger 

Publisher: Wise Wolf Books 

Release Date: February 13, 2024

Pages: 436

Genre: YA Fantasy, Historical Fantasy

Synopsis:

“Romance, loss, and self-discovery take the stage in this series opener, with lots of enticing hints for the epic adventure still to come. A page-turner for all romantasy fans!” –Marissa Meyer, New York Times Best Selling Author of The Lunar Chronicles

“A sweeping tale of grief, love, adventure, and finding one’s path in life. Full of secrets long kept and characters you can’t help but root for, readers will get lost in its rich world.” –Annie Sullivan, author of A Touch of Gold and Tiger Queen

A gripping story of overcoming grief, self-realization, and embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. As the daughter of a high-ranking sea captain, nineteen-year-old Cordelia Kimbal lives a life of luxury in the sea faring kingdom of Mikiria. But when her father dies unexpectedly, she is stripped of her title and home, and forced to join the working class in order to survive.

Determined to rise above her losses, Cordelia is eager to prove her worth and stand on her own. But four months after her father’s passing, a mysterious letter arrives, revealing the secret location of the mythical island of Qualaris. Known for concealing the secrets of magic and eternal life, Qualaris is often dismissed as mere legend, but Jaspar, Cordelia’s father’s enigmatic apprentice, is convinced of its existence and is harboring its secrets—secrets that the dark enchanter, Janus would stop at nothing to obtain.

For generations, Jaspar and his ancestors have pursued the discovery and rescue of Qualaris while battling a curse of nonexistence, and he believes that Cordelia is the island’s true protector, the one who can save it and its people from Janus’s impending threat.

Faced with the daunting task of defending Qualaris and its people, Cordelia embarks on a quest to locate the island, embrace her birthright, and take on the darkest enchanter in history. If she doesn’t, the island and its people won’t be the only casualties of Janus’s war.

Join Cordelia on her journey as she navigates a world of magic, mystery, and danger, discovering her true self and the strength within her.

*Content More Than Life is the first book in the More Than Life trilogy, and ends on a cliffhanger.

Review:

*I received an e-copy of the book from the author and publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

More Than Life was such a pleasant surprise, and a compelling read! This story was one of grief and loss, a journey of self-discovery and growth, found family, romance, mystery, adventure, magic, and even some time on the sea! I loved the world building and the magic system that is being set up, and I look forward to learning more in the next book.

Nineteen-year-old Lady Cordelia Kimbal lives a life of luxury in the sea faring kingdom of Mikiria, as the daughter of a high-ranking sea captain. When her father dies unexpectedly, she is forced to give up her home, her servants, and her title and join the working class.

She begins working as a bar maid in a tavern, determined to rise above her losses and prove her worth. She chooses to go by the name Delia. She begins to make friends with her coworkers and patrons in the tavern. She meets an intriguing patron named Jaz, who winds up staying at the inn and helping out at the bar. They begin to develop feelings for one another. Their connection is more than they both realize. Four months after her father’s passing, a mysterious letter arrives at the tavern for Delia. The letter inspires her to embark on a quest to discover a lost island and find out who she truly is.

I absolutely adored Delia and Jaz and thought they were such likeable characters. Delia has gone through so much, but she is so resilient and doesn’t give up. Jaz has also gone through a lot, and I liked how he and Delia help each other through their grief.

I definitely recommend for fans of fantasy and sweet romance! I am eager to read book as soon as I can.

About the Author:

Bethanie Finger is a writer, reader, and a librarian. In 2021 she graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences. She has worked in public libraries and local bookshops and currently works as a school librarian.

When she’s not writing she enjoys hiking, podcasting, and exploring the world.

She happily lives in Nevada with her husband, their two dogs, Scamp and Beowulf, and an ever-growing TBR collection.

Between the Veil: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Between the Veil

Author: Zoe Zeman

Publisher: Book Bridge Publishing Company

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Pages: 365

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy

Synopsis:

One ancient prophecy. Two wicked kingdoms. Three lives woven together by fate.

Night after night, Auden is tormented by creatures that haunt her nightmares and leave physical scars in the waking world. Day after day, she trains with determination, driven to avenge the loss of her parents to these malevolent beings.

When the kingdom is besieged by an ancient evil, Auden loses the only solace she has ever known. Grief ignites an unknown power within her, a force that teeters between good and evil. In this moment of anguish, truths long concealed are laid bare–the immortal rulers have sinister intentions to exploit Auden’s abilities and expand their realm.

Caught in the maelstrom of the immortals’ schemes and the emergence of her own uncontrollable powers, Auden must confront the realization that she may be the greatest threat of all.

Will she accept the destiny laid out for her, risking everything to fulfill a prophecy, or will she defy the spirits’ will and choose a life of freedom at the cost of unimaginable chaos? As darkness stirs and evil prevails, Auden decides the path that will shape the very fabric of fate.

Review:

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

Solid fantasy debut for Zoe Zeman! I was hooked from the beginning of this spellbinding story, which compelled me to keep turning the page and wanting to know more. The world and characters are vividly imagined, and there are lot of twists and turns along the way. If you like immortals, the chosen one, ancient prophesies, court intrigue, battle scenes, love triangles, forced proximity, and a good slow burn, I think you will enjoy this one!

Every night, Auden is tormented by creatures in her nightmares that leave physical scars on her when she wakes. She spends her days training hard to someday avenge her parents who were killed by these horrible creatures.

When her kingdom is besieged by an ancient evil, Auden loses the only solace she has ever known. Grief ignites an unknown power within her, that is a fine balance between good and evil. In this moment of anguish, truths come to light that have been kept hidden. The immortal rulers of the kingdom plan to use Auden and her powers to expand their realm and influence.

Auden finds herself trapped between the immortals plans for her and her own uncontrollable powers. She must come to terms with the fact that she herself may be the greatest threat of them all.

Will Auden accept the path laid out before her, risking all to fulfil an ancient prophecy? Or will Auden defy the will of the spirits and choose a life of freedom which could cause complete chaos? As darkness stirs and evil triumphs, Auden chooses the path that could shape the very fabric of fate.

I really enjoyed the main character, Auden and I felt as though I could feel all the feelings she had. She is a character that has gone through unimaginable grief and loss, all while dealing with anxiety and depression. I really appreciated how the author touched on those subjects in the story and made her and other characters so relatable. As someone that has anxiety, I always appreciate positive representation in books. Auden is so much braver than she gives herself credit for, and she grows so much throughout the story. She also has a good sense of humor which brought some lighthearted feeling to the story. I also enjoyed reading from the POVs of the two MMC, Everett and Azrael. I love the banter between them all! There’s a love triangle and I feel as though it could go either way at this point, and I’m really interested to see what happens in the next book. I know who my favorite is, I tend to go for the morally grey bad boys. 😉

I definitely recommend and I look forward to book two!

About the Author:

Zoe Zeman is a devoted wife, loving mother, and child of God with an insatiable love for reading, writing, and the world of imagination. When she’s not lost amidst the pages of a gripping fantasy novel, you’ll likely find her weaving together the next chapter of her own story.

While her heart lies in the world of words, Zoe also wears the hats of a nurse and educator. With a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing education, she works part-time teaching clinical for her alma mater, nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

An overachiever and an ambitious dreamer, Zoe fills her days with a mix of creative pursuits and hands-on family life. Whether she’s chasing after her little one, cuddling up with her husband and their dog, or balancing her professional responsibilities, Zoe finds joy in every moment, all while creating stories that transport readers to new worlds.

For Zoe, there’s never a dull moment, and that’s just the way she likes it.

The Heir (A Young Queen Victoria Mystery #1): Review

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About the Book:

Title: The Heir

Author: Darcie Wilde

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Pages: 361

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Synopsis:

Destined for a life beyond her wildest dreams, born fifth in succession to the throne, and determined to get to the bottom of a most foul puzzle. The future queen becomes a rebellious sleuth when she vows to solve the mystery of a dead man scandalously discovered on the grounds of Kensington Palace—by her.

The young Victoria remembers nothing but Kensington Palace. Arriving as a baby, she has been brought up inside its musty, mold-ridden walls. Others may see the value of Kensington’s priceless artifacts and objets d’art, but the palace is a jail cell for young Victoria. Raised with an incredibly strict regimen to follow, watched at all times by her mother, the controlling, German-born Victoire, and Victoire’s prized advisor, the power-hungry Sir John Conroy, the bright 15-year-old is allowed no freedom at any time—except that which she steals or wheedles for, always in the company of Conroy’s resentful daughter, Jane.

But one fateful afternoon, Victoria slips away from her mother to ride out on her beloved gelding, Prince. With reluctant Jane in tow, the princess gallops out from the palace green. But what would normally be an uneventful trot around very familiar terrain presents the mutinous princess with a most bewildering sight—a dead man, and on the grounds of the palace, no less.

Determined to get to the bottom of the inscrutable puzzle, young Victoria is met with shocking disrespect and any number of obstacles. Sir John lies to her, her uncles and aunts join with her mother to stonewall her questions and curtail her movements. But Victoria will not be deterred. With Jane Conroy as a tentative and untrustworthy ally, Victoria’s first “case” is underway . . .

Review:

*I received an arc from the publisher, Netgalley, and @austenprose for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*
As a fan of the PBS show Victoria, I was excited for the opportunity to read a mystery starring a young Queen Victoria. This was my first book by the author Darcie Wild, and I am happy to say it did not disappoint! I am fascinated by Queen Victoria and the Victorian Era, so it was such a fun read. The author had to take some liberties of course, but I thought she did really well and that the book was thoroughly researched. If you like historical fiction, court intrigue and mystery I think you will enjoy this one!
The young Victoria remembers nothing about Kensington Palace. She was brought there as a baby and brought up within its dilapidated walls. The palace is basically a prison cell for Victoria as she has a very strict routine to follow on a daily basis. Her mother is overbearing and watches her at all times, and her mother’s advisor Sir John Conroy is power hungry and controlling. The fifteen-year-old has no freedom except what she steals or barters for, and always in the company of Sir Conroy’s resentful daughter, Jane.
One afternoon, Victoria sneaks off to ride her horse with the reluctant Jane in tow. As Victoria gallops ahead of Jane, she comes across the body of a dead man on the green, on palace grounds.
Victoria is determined to solve the mystery, although she is faced with many obstacles along the way. Sir John lies to her; her mother and other family members stonewall her questions and watch her movements. With Jane Conroy as her tentative and untrustworthy ally, Victoria will not be deterred from solving her first “case.”
Victoria is portrayed just as I pictured her, spirited and determined to gain whatever freedom she can get from the monotony of palace life. She truly shines as she faces these challenges. I loved watching her friendship blossom with Jane, and her relationship with her governess, Lehzen.
I am excited to read more in this world, as it looks like it will be a series. Can’t wait to see what Victoria will be up to next!
Definitely recommend! This book releases on August 26, 2025.

About the Author:

Darcie Wilde is a pseudonym for Sarah Zettel, author of mysteries, science fiction, romance and Young Adult fiction, including the New York Times Notable Book Fool’s War and the bestselling Rosalind Thorne mysteries A Useful Woman. She also writes under the names Delia James, Sarah Zettel, Jennifer Hawkins C. L. Anderson and Marissa Day.

Darcie writes her classically styled (not to mention stylish) mysteries as well as adventurous romances from a university town in a certain northern-midwestern state that has been known to bear some passing resemblance to a mitten. When not writing, she’s reading, cooking, hiking, swimming, climbing things, embroidering other things, raising her rapidly growing son and trying to convince her cat — Buffy the Vermin Slayer — not to do any further damage to the furniture.

Grave Flowers: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Grave Flowers 

Author: Autumn Krause 

Publisher: Peachtree Teen

Release Date: September 2, 2025

Pages: 400

Genre: YA Fantasy, Gothic, Historical Fiction 

Synopsis:

A twisty, dark royalcore fantasy that takes the courtly intrigue of Hamlet and infuses it with the vicious ambition of the Boleyn family. For readers who love Holly Black and Sarah J. Maas.

This gorgeous hardcover edition features beautifully designed endpapers and a foil stamped case!

“A sumptuously dark tale of revenge and atonement that beautifully explores the ties both duty and family use to claim us. From the first page to the last, I was dazzled.” —Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Thirteenth Child

Marry the prince, then kill him.

Princess Madalina and her twin sister, Inessa, were born attached at the hand and separated right after. That’s the only time the sisters ever held hands. The girls’ personalities have been shaped in the Sinet family’s drive to make their kingdom more than what it is: unrespectable and loathsome, a damp place where deceit fills the palace walls like mold.

Madalina is different from her family. She’s considered the weak one and only finds peace in the garden, tending her magical flowers, which are pejoratively called grave flowers because they are ideal for torture and torment. Secretly, she dreams of escape and a new life.

Then Inessa, who was betrothed to the heir of a wealthy kingdom—Prince Aeric—gets trapped in Bide, a terrifying purgatory, and begs Madalina to set her free. Now, not only must Madalina take her sister’s place as Aeric’s bride-to-be, but she also must finish Inessa’s secret mission: Inessa wasn’t just sent to marry Prince Aeric, but to kill him, too, and solidify a profitable pact with his traitorous uncle.

On behalf of her family, Madalina will need to resist the infuriatingly clever prince—as well as her own heart—if she’s to free her sister and finish the job.

Perfect for fans of:

-Enemies to lovers
-Royal rivalry
-Arranged marriage
-Deadly games
-Dark royalcore
-Reluctant ruler
-Bloodstained family

Review:

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

Grave Flowers is one of my favorite reads of the year so far! From the first page to the last, I was compelled to read. This was the second book I’ve read by Autumn Krause, and her stories are so unique and alluring, that I want to read anything that she writes from here on out. Grave Flowers is the twisty, dark royalcore fantasy that I didn’t know I needed!

The atmosphere in this book is everything. I felt transported to Princess Madalina’s castle in Radix that felt so oppressive and felt her need to be in the garden with her grave flowers. The grave flowers were one of my best-loved parts of the story. These magical flowers are ideal for torture and torment ironically, but each one was so interesting, and I loved learning about them.

The story is so much more than the atmosphere. It’s about family, sisterhood, grief, love and loss. It’s about betrayals and secrets, overcoming trauma, facing prejudice, and becoming your own person. This book also has courtly intrigue, murder and mayhem, beautiful clothing, and lots of angst and swooning. It has it all, in my book!

Grave Flowers releases on September 2, 2025. It was just announced that there will be a sequel, Wilted Crown coming from Peachtree Teen in the fall of 2027. I was literally screaming when I found this out!!

Add to this one to your TBR now! Highly recommend!

About the Author:

Autumn Krause is a writer in Orange County, California, where she can most often be found wearing a black lace dress and boots.

Steel & Spellfire: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Steel & Spellfire 

Author: Laura E. Weymouth

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books 

Release Date: July 22, 2025

Pages: 368

Genre: YA Fantasy 

Synopsis:

A devastatingly gifted mage with clandestine romantic connections to a Royal Guard joins the court social season in an attempt to undo past wrongs, only to fall under suspicion when a creature with powers shockingly like her own begins slaughtering her fellow debutantes.

Pandora Small has two ruling objectives: first, to keep the prodigious extent of her power secret, in a world where mages are feared and governed by suffocating laws. Second, to find her wealthy and noble-born patron, a shadowy figure bound to Pandora by magic, who stole her childhood and grew her power until she became a weapon rather than a girl. To that end, she’s posing as an Ingenue, a privileged and petted young woman of strictly limited abilities, who is allowed access to the royal court’s social season in order to find a husband and patron to control her magic.

But on Pandora’s arrival at court, Kit Beacon, one of the most promising members of the Royal Guard, inadvertently learns the true scope of her power. Privately sympathetic towards mages and the difficulties they face, Beacon decides to keep Pandora’s secret. But when someone or something with powers terribly like Pandora’s own begins slaughtering her fellow Ingenues, Beacon’s resolve to keep what he knows about her private is put to the test.

Tasked with protecting all the girls in the palace, not just one, Beacon will have to decide whether Pandora is a suspect or an ally, while to win his trust, Pandora will have to let him know more of her still—the worst of who she is and what she’s done. Because only unity between them during the social whirlwind to come will enable Pan to find her patron and Beacon the killer and ensure they both see justice meted out.

Review:

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

I have been reading Laura E. Weymouth’s books since her debut The Light Between Worlds, and she has not disappointed me yet! She has become an auto buy author for me, and I will continue to read whatever she writes. Steel & Spellfire has a unique magic system, murder, mystery, court intrigue and romance all in a Regency Esque setting. It totally gave off Bridgerton vibes and I was here for it!

Pandora Small has two objectives. First, she wants to keep the extent of her power secret, where mages are both feared and persecuted. Second, she wants to find her patron who stole her childhood from her and turned her power into a weapon. To meet her objectives, she is posing as an Ingenue to gain access to the royal court’s social season, where the girls are groomed to find a husband and patron to control their magic.

When Pandora arrives at court, Kit Beacon, a member of the royal guard, quickly discovers the magnitude of her powers. Beacon has sympathy for mages and the difficulties they face, so he decides to keep her power a secret. However, as someone begins murdering Ingenues, with a power that’s quite similar to Pandora’s, his trust is put to the test.

Beacon’s duty as a royal guard is to protect all the girls at the palace, so he will have to decide if Pandora is a suspect or an ally. To gain Beacon’s trust, Pandora must share more about herself, who she truly is and what she has done. The pair soon discover that they must work together to find Pan’s patron and Beacon’s murder suspect to ensure justice.

Pandora and Beacon were both very likable characters that I enjoyed getting to know. I found myself rooting for them as they raced to solve the mystery and find justice in a society that was oppressive to people with magic. I really enjoyed the magic system and the world in which these characters lived. The story was fast paced, and it wrapped up well for a standalone.

I definitely recommend to fans of Laura’s and to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy!

 

About the Author:

Laura Weymouth is a Canadian living in America, and the sixth consecutive generation of her family to immigrate from one country to another. Born and raised in the Niagara region of Ontario, she now lives at the edge of the woods in western New York, along with her husband, two wild-hearted daughters, and an ever-expanding menagerie of animal friends.

Dream by the Shadows (The Shadow Weavers Duology #1): Review

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About the Book:

Title: Dream by the Shadows

Author: Logan Karlie

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books 

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Pages: 352

Genre: YA Fantasy, Romantasy, Gothic

Synopsis:

Beauty and the Beast meets Labyrinth in this YA romantic fantasy about a deadly dream world and the shadow-cursed girl who must venture its depths to save her family, all while she falls in love with the prince of darkness.

The Kingdom of Noctis is plagued by Corruption: a curse that spreads through dreaming. The Shadow Bringer rules from his castle in the Dream Realm, stealing souls one dreamer at a time. Only an elixir, taken every night before sleeping, can ward off the dreams and halt Corruption. But for some, the allure of the Dream Realm proves too strong.

Esmer Havenfall desperately wants to escape her dreadful village. When her sister, Eden, succumbs to Corruption and their elixir-dealing parents are accused of a horrific crime, Esmer’s life unravels into a nightmare. Then she dreams of the Shadow Bringer and learns that his sinister magic might be a part of her, too.

Enticed by the prospect of ending her kingdom’s curse and avenging her family, Esmer follows him deeper within the Dream Realm. But the prince of darkness has a haunted past, one that might change the fate of Esmer’s kingdom–and her heart–forever.

Lush and vividly imagined, this seductive gothic fantasy is filled with magic, secrets, and dreamy shadow-haunted romance.

Review:

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

Dream by the Shadows is an absolutely exhilarating gothic romantasy, in a haunting dream world, with compelling world building and characters. This vividly imagined and atmospheric story was a dream that I didn’t want to wake from! Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast, Labyrinth, or Once Upon a Time.

The Kingdom of Noctis has been plagued by Corruption, a curse which is spread through dreaming. The Shadow Bringer rules from his castle in the Dream Realm and has been stealing people’s souls. The people of Noctis take an elixir every night before bed to prevent themselves from dreaming, while they slumber. For some however, the pull of the Dream Realm is too enticing.

Esmer Havenfall wants nothing more than to escape her small village. Her sister was sadly lost to Corruption, and she is haunted by the memories. When her parents, who supply her village with elixir are accused of a horrible crime, her life begins to fall apart. She knows she must persevere and protect her little brother Elliot. Esmer then dreams of the Shadow Bringer and learns that his magic may be a part of her as well.

Esmer feels compelled to end her kingdom’s curse and avenge her family, so she follows the Shadow Bringer deeper into the Dream Realm. She soon learns that the prince of darkness has a haunted past, that could change the fate of both her kingdom and her heart.

I loved Esmer and the Shadow Bringer! Esmer is strong, brave, and compassionate. The Shadow Bringer is broody, witty, and dreamy (pun intended). The Dream Realm is also such a fantastic setting that I loved exploring.

Dream by the Shadows releases on August 26, 2025. Be sure to preorder or request from your local library. I can’t wait for book two!

Bottom line: Obsessed!

About the Author:

Logan Karlie writes books brimming with gothic themes, atmospheric worlds, and characters who fight to overcome the shadows that haunt them.

Logan holds a MA in English Literature from the University of Arkansas. She currently lives in Illinois, with her family, where she also taught high school English.

Connect with Logan Karlie on social media!

• Instagram: @authorlogankarlie
• TikTok: @authorlogankarlie

While The Dark Remains (The Winter Dark #1): Review

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About the Book:

Title: While The Dark Remains 

Author: Joanna Ruth Meyer

Publisher: 47 North

Release Date: August 1, 2025

Pages: 459

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adult

Synopsis:

In an icebound palace of magic and menace, a young woman plots to outwit a cruel king in a bracing fantasy about love, found family, and immeasurable revenge.

Brynja spent her childhood as a captive performer in Tenebris, the imposing mountain palace of King Kallias. Every night she risked death for the king’s entertainment until his rebellious son, Prince Ballast, helped her escape. Now twenty, Brynja has never forgotten the brutal king. Or forgiven him. Under the cloak of a three-month-long Winter Dark, Brynja is returning to Tenebris for revenge.

Accompanied by a rival court, including the alluring Prince Vil, Brynja poses as diplomatic royalty to barter peace between nations. No one is better equipped to infiltrate the palace than Brynja―she remembers every hidden passage like a bad dream. But her quest to destroy Kallias is complicated by her feelings for Prince Ballast, whom she isn’t sure she can still trust. And Kallias’s own quest to mine a catastrophic weapon of war buried in the mountain’s heart will threaten them all, and force Brynja to face the darkest parts of herself.

The lives of everyone she loves depend on the choices she must make. So, too, does the fate of the world.

Review:

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

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I adore Joanna Ruth Meyer and have been a fan since her debut Beneath the Haunting Sea. Where the Dark Remains is her adult fantasy debut, and it was fantastic! It’s a bit of a departure from her previous works, but no less mesmerizing. There’s amazing world building, political intrigue and beloved characters.

Brynja has spent most of her childhood as a captive performer in the collection of the evil King Kallias. Every night she risked death for the King’s entertainment, until his rebellious son, Prince Ballast, aided in her escape. Now at twenty years old, Brynja has never forgotten or forgiven the cruel King. Under the cover of a three-month long winter dark, Brynja is returning to the palace for revenge.

Brynja, accompanied by a rival court, including Prince Vil, poses as royalty to barter peace. She is the best choice for infiltrating the castle as she knows every nook and cranny and every hidden passage. Her quest for revenge becomes complicated by her feelings for Prince Ballast, whom she doesn’t know if she can trust. King Kallias is also searching for a weapon of war that could destroy them all. Bryna must face the darkest parts of herself as her choices will impact those she loves and the world itself.

There is a lot of beauty in this story, but there is a lot of pain and suffering as well. I felt SO many emotions reading this one, and that is one of the things that I loved most about it. I actually was screaming in the last third of the book and almost threw it across the room. It was THAT good!

Highly recommend! I can’t wait for book two!

About the Author:

Joanna Ruth Meyer is the author of five YA fantasies, including the critically acclaimed ECHO NORTH. She lives in Mesa, AZ, with her husband, son, two orange cats, and a giant grand piano named Prince Imrahil. She loves forests and rainstorms and stories that make her feel things, and in all likelihood, she’s drinking tea right now.

Six Weeks by the Sea: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Six Weeks by the Sea

Author: Paula Byrne

Publisher: Pegasus Books

Release Date: August 5. 2025

Pages: 256

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Regency

Synopsis:

A vivid historical novel about Jane Austen that explores a question that has fascinated Janeites for years—Austen wrote some of the greatest love stories in existence, but did she ever fall in love?

When Jane Austen hears the news that her family is to leave their beloved country home for the city of Bath, she faints with surprise and horror. But there is one the promise of a six-week holiday by the sea while their new lodgings are being prepared. She relishes the bracing air and beautiful surroundings, takes pleasure in sea bathing, and shares laughter with her sister Cassandra and best friend Martha Lloyd.

To her joy, brother Frank arrives, fresh from naval exploits in the war against Napoleon. His friend Captain Parker seems to be making a play for Jane’s affections, but her sharp emotional intelligence tells her that something is not quite right. Meanwhile, she assists the eccentric Reverend Swete in finding a home for his bi-racial granddaughter who has arrived from the West Indies.

Jane initially takes against another visitor to the seaside resort of Sidmouth, the lawyer Samuel Rose, but as she gets to know him, a wholly different feeling begins to blossom. . . .

Written with a same wit and style that echos Austen herself, Paula Byrne expertly interweaves her deep knowledge of Austen and her world to imagine and give voice to the most romantic summer of the beloved author’s short life.

Review:

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

Six Weeks by the Sea was the first book I’ve read by Paula Byrne, and it didn’t disappoint! As a huge fan of Jane Austen and her works, I love reading books like this one. Six Weeks by the Sea is a fictional account of Jane Austen and her family’s time in Sidmouth, which was well researched and seemed authentic to the time period. Paula Byrne helps us to explore the answer to the age-old question of whether or not Jane Austen ever had a love interest after all of the beautiful love stories she wrote?

When Jane Austen finds out that her family is to leave their beloved country home for the city of Bath, she literally faints in surprise and horror. She is excited however that they will take a six-week holiday by the sea while the family’s new lodgings are being readied. She loves being by the sea with the fresh air, the sea bathing, and the time she can spend with her sister Cassandra and her best friend Martha.

She is soon also visited by her brother Frank (who is on a leave from the navy), much to her delight. His friend Captain Parker seems to be trying to gain Jane’s affections, but she feels that something isn’t quite right. She is also helping Reverend Swete in finding a home for his bi-racial granddaughter who has arrived from the West Indies. Jane at first does not seem to care for another visitor to the seaside, a lawyer, Samuel Rose. As she spends more time with Samuel, and gets to know him better, different feelings begin to blossom altogether.

This story was quite beautiful. I loved seeing Jane’s relationships with her family members and her best friend, the friendships she made while visiting the sea, and how Jane tackled some of the societal issues she faced. I felt like the love story was quite believable and that Samuel Rose would have been a great match for Jane.

I definitely recommend for fans of Jane Austen and fans of Regency Romance!

About the Author:

Paula was born in Birkenhead in 1967, the third daughter in a large working-class Catholic family. She studied at the University of Liverpool and now lives in Oxford with her husband, the Shakespeare scholar Sir Jonathan Bate, and their three children (Tom, Ellie and Harry). She is founder and Chief Executive of ReLit, the charity for literature and mental health. Paula is represented by The Wylie Agency.

Her most recent book is a biography of Kathleen ‘Kick’ Kennedy, President John F. Kennedy’s favourite sister, who married the heir to Chatsworth House before her early, tragic death. Before this, Paula wrote the tie-in book to the award-winning movie, Belle, in which she told the true story of the black slave girl who was brought up by the Lord Chief Justice of England in the years leading up to the abolition of the slave trade.

In January 2013, to coincide with the bicentenary of the first publication of Pride and Prejudice, she published an innovative biography called The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things. It was a Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller and a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week. Her previous book, Mad World: Evelyn Waugh and the Secrets of Brideshead, told the story of Evelyn Waugh’s friendship with the extraordinary aristocratic family who inspired Brideshead Revisited. It was also a Sunday Times top ten bestseller and in the USA it was serialized in Vanity Fair.

Paula’s first top ten bestseller was Perdita: The Life of Mary Robinson. A selection for the 2005 Richard and Judy Book Club and a British Book Awards ‘Best Read’ nomination, it was also long-listed for the prestigious Samuel Johnson Prize. The book tells the extraordinary story of the eighteenth-century actress, poet, novelist, feminist, celebrity and royal mistress Mary ‘Perdita’ Robinson (1757-1800). Paula’s first book, shortlisted for the Theatre Book Prize, was Jane Austen and the Theatre, published in 2002 and reissued in paperback by Bloomsbury. Paul Johnson of The Spectator chose it as his best-ever book on Jane Austen and the Times Literary Supplement described it as a ‘definitive and pioneering study of a wholly neglected aspect of Austen’s art.’

Paula has also edited a Routledge Literary Sourcebook on Jane Austen’s Emma and is a regular reviewer for the Saturday Times. (Source: Amazon)