When the land and the people are closely tied, political instability leads to literal instability; earthquakes, crop failures, fire, and storm. Mirasol’s job as Chalice is to support the Master of the estate, called Willowlands, in keeping the land peaceful and prosperous. However, the previous Master and Chalice left Willowlands in a disastrous state; the…
In the far-flung future, Medio has been run for thousands of years on the principle of the ancient legend of the thieving Salt God and the financially ripe Sun God. The upper crust of society are the descendants of the Sun God and his two wives; women are expected to behave in either the manner…
I can make this review brief: If you’re already reading Emma Holly’s Tales of the Djinn series, you may (may!) like this latest instalment, The Lady Detective. If you’re not, for heaven’s sake don’t start here – and I include this review in that statement. I cannot review this book without spoiling the entire series so…
Dragonshadow is the sequel to last year’s popular Pride and Prejudice inspired fantasy romance novel, Heartstone. Picking up shortly after the end of Heartstone, Dragonshadow offers a deeper look at the magical kingdom of Arle and their dangerous enemies: the vicious Tekari and the mysterious Els. I think this book would be confusing without the…
Empire of Sand is a fantasy début which showcases a young woman who defeats an ancient evil by embracing her heritage. Drawing from the rich, turbulent history and vibrant culture of India’s Mughal Empire this is a tale of magic, mayhem and true love. Mehr is the eldest daughter of the governor of Irinah in…
Girls of Paper and Fire is one of the most anticipated YA fantasy releases of the year. Featuring a diverse cast of characters and an LGBTQ+ heroine, it is a story of magic, mayhem, rebellion and young love. Two hundred years ago, in the kingdom of Ikhara, the demon Bull King of Han took control…
Phoenix Unbound is the first book in Grace Draven’s Fallen Empire series. It’s a lovely romance set in a fascinating world, and I’m so glad I picked it up. Gilene is a fire witch who is honor-bound to put the safety of her village above that of her own. Each year, every village in the…
Mirage is a YA fantasy novel based on a recent historical period from the author’s ancestral land of Morocco. Known as the Years of Lead, it was a bloody episode during which dissidents were arrested or executed. In spite of the heavy subject matter, the author tells a charming story of love, friendship and being…
This book. Oh my goodness. I was bewitched and captivated from the first page to the last, and I barely took any breaks in between. Magical. Romantic. Suspenseful. Mysterious. Sexy. It’s all of those things and a tremendously engaging story. It’s also Ms. Welch’s first full-length novel. Friends, Salt Magic Skin Magic will definitely find…
Witchmark, by début author C. L. Polk, is an intriguing blend of history, science fiction, fantasy and romance. In Aeland, a fictionalized Edwardian England, aristocratic families use their magical gifts to keep a stranglehold on the power and wealth of the nation, whilst relegating anyone outside their sphere of power to a life of slavery,…