Tag Archive for: Fantasy

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Iron Flame

Iron FlameTitle: Iron Flame
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Series: Empyrean #2
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Spice: 3.5 / 5
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 623
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

Also in this series: Fourth Wing, Onyx Storm
My Thoughts

Gah! Why do I read these series before all the books are out?! Waiting for ONYX STORM is going to be torture! I saw the end coming because of the foreshadowing, but I’m still in agony!

I loved that IRON FLAME kicked it up a notch! There was more adventure, intrigue, political mayhem, warfare, and so much more romance. It was everything I wanted in a romantasy and sequel. It was excruciating to read because of the non-stop suspense and action. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time wondering how it was all going to go down.

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Fourth Wing

Fourth WingTitle: Fourth Wing
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Series: Empyrean #1
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Spice: 3 / 5
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 517
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

Also in this series: Iron Flame, Onyx Storm
My Thoughts

FOURTH WING was everything I wanted in a romantasy and more. I adored the characters, especially Violet and Xaden. I could feel the sexual tension between them from the very beginning and I loved it. I loved that there was no instalove, and instead a slow-burn romance that leaves you wanting for more. The secondary characters were amazing too. Rhiannon, Ridoc, and Liam were my favorite.

I loved the world Rebecca Yarros built. It’s a beautiful world based on folktales, lore, war, power, and political drama, which is my recipe for a fantastic story. I loved the Gaelic feel to the story thanks to the names of some of the characters, most of the dragons, and lot of the places. I also loved that riders are bonded to their dragon so we can hear their voices and get to know their personalities. I also adored the mythology. It was fascinating. The magical system with signets was fun to read about and experience.

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The Invocations

The InvocationsTitle: The Invocations
Author: Krystal Sutherland
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, LGBTQ+, Young Adult, Romance
Spice: 1 / 5
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 400
Reason Read: Recommended
Rating:

My Thoughts

THE INVOCATIONS was awesome! I loved the idea of witches and witch hunters, and the use of invocations to grant women borrowed power from demons for a small piece of their soul. The story was dark, tense, mysterious, and full of paranormal goodness. It reminded me of an episode of Netflix’s The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which is what I think Sutherland was going for since she mentioned the show a couple of times in the story.

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Dread Nation

Dread NationTitle: Dread Nation
Author: Justina Ireland
Series: Dread Nation #1
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror, Young Adult
Format: Kindle
Pages: 418
Reason Read: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

DREAD NATION is the first zombie novel I’ve ever read and I loved it. I loved how the “Shamblers” worked and how they changed the outcome of the Civil War and society in general. The Shamblers were so much fun to read about. I especially loved reading the fight scenes with all the different weaponry used against the dead.

I liked the time period and how Ireland used the setting to discuss the oppression of black people not only during Civil War era United States, but in general the most. Even though the themes are blunt, they’re not preachy. Ireland skillfully addresses issues of racism and inequality while delivering a complex, enthralling story. Reading this book was very eye-opening. I know I’ve lived a very sheltered and safe life (and I’m not talking about a life free of Shamblers). I felt like the story wonderfully illustrates the perseverance and strength black people have while enduring horrific abuse at the hands of those who see them as lesser.

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A River Enchanted

A River EnchantedTitle: A River Enchanted
Author: Rebecca Ross
Series: Elements of Cadence #1
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Spice: 1.5 / 5
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 480
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

Also in this series: A Fire Endless
My Thoughts

I absolutely adored everything about A RIVER ENCHANTED. As soon as I started to read the story of Cadence and its inhabitants, I was hooked. When I was reading, I didn’t want to put it down and I couldn’t stop thinking about it in between reads. I loved that the story was written from different POVs and that it wasn’t done chapter by chapter. The story was told from whoever’s POV told the story the best at that moment. I loved all the characters and especially the slow-burn romances. I wish there was more kissing, but I’m glad the story wasn’t sacrificed for the romance.

I adored the mythology. It was fascinating. The magical system with the spirits was fun to read about and experience. I also loved the Scottish / Gaelic feel and I think Ross could’ve pushed that aspect of the story a lot more.

Update: When I read this a second time so I could read A FIRE ENDLESS, I listened to the audiobook. The audiobook is definitely the way to read this series. I loved Ruth Urquhart’s narration. Her Scottish accent added so much to the story, so I changed my rating from 4.5 stars to 5 stars.