Review: Half-Light Harbor by Samantha Young

Half-Light Harbor by Samantha Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.

This is a new romantic suspense from Samantha Young.  It follows a New York socialite and heiress to a hotel chain looking to connect with her Scottish roots and recover from her grief after a tragic accident takes both of her parents.  Tierney Silver feels more at home on the remote island of Glenvulin than she ever did in New York and finds some peace and healing as she begins work on restoring an old guesthouse into a Bed and Breakfast.  Before leaving the states, she found out some disturbing information about her parent's accident and she is determined to find the truth with the help of an investigative reporter.  This puts them both in danger, but Tierney is sure that she will be find on the tiny isle so far away from the hustle and bustle of NY.

Enter Ramsay McRae, a surly contractor working on the B & B who is full of secrets.  He and Tierney are immediately attracted to one another despite their age difference, but Ramsay has a past he isn't proud of and he lives in isolation to keep his past in his past and the people of the island protected.  Finding comfort in each other as they hide their secrets and sort through their feelings of guilt and grief.  Their no strings attached situation turns into something more, but as the truth of Tierney's parents is exposed she is put in danger which sends Ramsay into a tailspin for many reasons.  Can their relationship survive all of the secrets and scandals that surround them or will they find their way back to one another?

I really enjoyed this new series and I'm excited to see where the series is headed.  I immediately fell in love with the island and the people.  This is a fast paced story with plenty of spice and several suspenseful plotlines that while seem unrelated eventually tied together.  While I'm not usually one for the lack of communication trope, it was always clear that Ramsay and Tierney were going to keep secrets when they started their affair.  It was part of their agreement that they didn't owe each other information or feelings.  I thought the author did a great job with their interactions and discussions about trust, and the later communications about trauma and their pasts.  This book does include physical and emotional abuse of Tierney's friend, so take care if that is a trigger for you.  While I initially couldn't figure out how that tied into the main plot, Young did a good job making sure that things came together.  She really kept us on our toes with this one and her skill with suspense writing has really expanded.  I'm really looking forward to spending more time on the island in future books!

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Review: The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch & Beth Revis

The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.  In full transparency I ended up listening to the audiobook while reading this.

This follows Alyth, half fae and half human, she is sworn to protect Scotland from the Red Caps and English fae clan.  In doing her duty, she has been Queen Mary's protector from both magical and human threats.  Enter Samson, a spy for the English serving Queen Elizabeth, who only wants to live a normal life.  To do so he must find someone to break the curse that has plagued him and hurt those around him for his entire life.  His latest mission to enter Mary's court and work with her wretched husband Darnley promises answers and a way to break the curse.  He meets Alyth and everything changes, while she doesn't initially trust him they can't deny that they are drawn to each other and to uncover the truth about the Red Caps and the plot against Scotland they will have to work together.

I loved how the authors blended history, fantasy, romance, and Celtic lore together.  The romance aspect takes a backseat to the history, fantasy, and court intrigue that is happening around Samson and Alyth.  If you are looking for a more spicy romantasy, this isn't the book for you.  I do like more developed romantic relationships, however the history, magic, characters, world-building, court politics and plotting more than made up for it.  I thought the authors did a good job describing the various types of fae and other magical creatures we meet throughout the book.

I'm loving what Raasch and Revis are doing as a writing duo.  I've really enjoyed their other works and this is no exception.  I really loved this and can't wait to see what happens in the next book as things heat up between the English and the Scottish and we get to learn more about the different types of fae.  I also look forward to seeing Alyth and Samson's relationship develop more and to see  how their powers grow as they work together.

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Review: Same by Hannah Rosenberg

Same by Hannah Rosenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This was a lovely collection of relatable poems about life, motherhood, friendship, marriage, love, and relationships.

You really get to know the poet through her words in these poems and as a mom, it really took me back to when my now 17 and 15 year old were only a year old and liked to sit on the floor and play or read books. That time is precious, cherish it. I also say to her "Same", as I still having figured out how to do it all as we flit from event to event trying to survive until the weekend to recharge and recover from the week. I felt seen in these poems.

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Review: Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins

Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and LiterallyYours PR, all opinions are my own.

You might be thinking it is far too early to be indulging in Christmas romcoms, but this was adorable.  I related to Luke so much.  I'm a bit of a grinch  myself.  Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of Christmas the snow, the lights, the peppermint everything, but the holidays can also bring with it some bad memories and a lot of family drama.  

Eve is the queen of Christmas, she is home for the holidays from making Christmas movies in LA and she loves nothing more than helping her parents out at their during festival time.  Winning the festival's grand prize would really help out Eve's parents as their inn has been struggling since a chain hotel has moved into town, but Christmas and competition are what make Eve thrive.  Enter Luke, a local reindeer farmer who hates all things related to Christmas, and for good reason.  The holiday brings bad memories with it for him and while none of it is Eve's fault he associates her with that terrible time.  Something is different this year and if Eve wants to win Christmas and save the inn she is going to need Luke's help.  Armed with candy canes and cheer, Eve manages to melt Luke's icy heart and they both discover why their town and the holiday is so special.

If you love grumpy sunshine, friends to lovers, small town holiday romances this was so cute!  It embodied what Christmas and the holidays are all about!  Helping your friends and neighbors, making people smile, spreading joy,  spending time with the people you care about, new beginnings, and so much more.  I thought Eve and Luke had great chemistry, even better banter, and the humor was spot on.  I loved the meddling townsfolk and the chaotic reindeer.  

   

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Review: The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong

The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This was a delightful follow up to [book:The Teller of Small Fortunes|207611551], and can be read as a complete standalone.  Originally I thought the books were related, however they are not, which is why I make that statement.  It isn't a series, but if you have read and loved The Teller of Small Fortunes and loved it as I did, you are sure to love this one as well.  This has the same cozy vibe, a sweet romance, magical hijinks, and two witches who discover their true path and purpose along the way.

Certainty is a novice who desperately wants to rise to the ranks of Mage.  She showed promise when she entered the Guild for training, but she hasn't been able to pass the exams to become a full blown Mage.  Her magic allows her to speak with inanimate objects and determine their purpose, which isn't very useful to the Guild.  She is wearing out her welcome unless she can finish a task and be granted the title of Mage.  She will be assisted by a somewhat prickly Mage who is known for being unliked and icy toward her peers.  Mage Aurelia is all business as they set out to the small town of Shpelling to store unwanted magical artifacts in the unmagical town.  Upon their arrival the townsfolk are wary of those with magic and for good reason.  As Aurelia and Certainty work to make their lodgings livable and catalog the artifacts in their care, they learn why the people of Shpelling dislike magic and those who wield it.  Certainty is determined to sway them to her cause and uses her abilities and the slightly magical artifacts at her disposal to help instead of harm and bring the town back to life.  Aurelia is not onboard at first, but she quickly sees the good that can be done and her frosty demeanor quickly thaws and the two work hard to bring joy to the people of Shpelling and help wherever they can.

I loved the interactions between Certainty and Aurelia as they grew from prickly to friends to more.  The farmer and the aristocrat made for a nice balance as they learned from each other and Certainty gave Aurelia reality checks often but with kindness.  Their interactions with the people of Shpelling were humorous as were the conversations Certainty had with the artifacts.  I really loved watching the town bloom as the "lady mages" did their work.  I also appreciated that we get to see both girls interact with their parents and deal with their sense of self worth as part of the conflict resolution arc.  While they both had very different upbringings they both felt failure in different ways and their interactions with their families brought that to light.  

This was full of hope, garlic, magic, and all the cozy things.  There is a bit of romance but it doesn't overtake the book.  This is the perfect book for fall to curl up in a warm blanket with a warm drink and a snack.  I loved my time with Certainty and Aurelia and can't wait to read what Julie Leong comes up with next!

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Blog Tour: Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins

 

She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. 

He’s one grinchy cowboy.

Rebel Without a Claus, an all-new grumpy/sunshine, second chance, small town romance novella from USA Today bestselling author Katana Collins is now available!

Eve Winters lives for Christmas—the twinkling lights, the festive music, the over-the-top holiday magic. So when her parents need help running their Christmas-themed inn, she’s all in. The only problem? Luke Dawson—the town’s broody, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who hates everything merry and bright. Unfortunately, he’s also the one providing the reindeer for the town’s biggest holiday festival, which means Eve is stuck working with Mr. Bah Humbug himself.

Luke has no patience for Christmas or the chaos that comes with it—especially when it involves Eve, the walking, talking embodiment of holiday cheer. He spent years trying to forget her, but now that she’s moved back to town—with her sharp tongue, city-girl attitude, and an unfortunate talent for getting stuck under mistletoe—forgetting her is impossible.

But between meddling townsfolk, mischievous reindeer, and a snowstorm that leaves them stranded together, Luke is starting to wonder if maybe Christmas—and Eve Winters—aren’t so bad after all.

She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. He’s one grinchy cowboy. But when the festive sparks turn into a full-blown holiday inferno, will this rebel without a claus surrender to the season’s greatest surprise—falling head over boots in love?

 

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZU5GjY 

Add Rebel Without a Claus to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/rwacgr    

For more information about Katana Collins and her books, visit her website: 

https://katanacollins.com 

Release Blitz: Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins

 

She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. 

He’s one grinchy cowboy.

Rebel Without a Claus, an all-new grumpy/sunshine, second chance, small town romance novella from USA Today bestselling author Katana Collins is now available!

Eve Winters lives for Christmas—the twinkling lights, the festive music, the over-the-top holiday magic. So when her parents need help running their Christmas-themed inn, she’s all in. The only problem? Luke Dawson—the town’s broody, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who hates everything merry and bright. Unfortunately, he’s also the one providing the reindeer for the town’s biggest holiday festival, which means Eve is stuck working with Mr. Bah Humbug himself.

Luke has no patience for Christmas or the chaos that comes with it—especially when it involves Eve, the walking, talking embodiment of holiday cheer. He spent years trying to forget her, but now that she’s moved back to town—with her sharp tongue, city-girl attitude, and an unfortunate talent for getting stuck under mistletoe—forgetting her is impossible.

But between meddling townsfolk, mischievous reindeer, and a snowstorm that leaves them stranded together, Luke is starting to wonder if maybe Christmas—and Eve Winters—aren’t so bad after all.

She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. He’s one grinchy cowboy. But when the festive sparks turn into a full-blown holiday inferno, will this rebel without a claus surrender to the season’s greatest surprise—falling head over boots in love?

 

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZU5GjY 

Add Rebel Without a Claus to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/rwacgr   

For more information about Katana Collins and her books, visit her website: 

https://katanacollins.com 

Review: Red City by Marie Lu

Red City by Marie Lu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

I've been a long time fan of Marie Lu's YA works and was excited to see that she was writing an adult fantasy series. I loved this from beginning to end! It is dark and violent and has adult situations which is to be expected, though the spice is fairly tame compared to today's romantasy standards. There is romance, but it takes a back seat to the alchemical underworld that our main characters are a part of.

Sam and Ari are both alchemists, at a young age they were both taken into warring houses to train and hone their talents. They became fast friends in school, but neither of them knew the other was a member of the enemy house until they were adults. Each of their syndicates rule with violence in an alternate Los Angeles where they controlling politics, the wealthy, and most of all the trade of an alchemical drug that each syndicate produces.

We get to see Sam and Ari grow up together and separately as their paths connect and diverge over the years. They always had a connection, but there were always secrets between them. Now that they are rising stars in enemy houses their loyalties are tested as the conflict between their houses escalate and become more and more violent. I really enjoyed getting to know each character as they learned alchemy and dealt with different relationships as they rose the ranks. This is filled with action, lies, betrayals, and it kept me on my toes the entire time. It is hard to for me to review without giving too many details. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I appreciated that while this has an open ending, it doesn't end on a cliffhanger. Things are sent in motion for the next book, but it ends with a sense of closure.

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Review: The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of the Only Flying Mammal by Yossi Yovel

The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of the Only Flying Mammal by Yossi Yovel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ALC and ARC of this book via Netgalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

I had no idea there were so many different types of bats.  While not a bat enthusiast myself, this was such a well crafted and detailed book about the creatures, their habits, habitats, and interactions.  The author is clearly passionate about their work and research and that shows through in the book.  I enjoyed learning about the various types of bats and how they are all very different.  I especially enjoyed learning about echolocation

At no point did I feel that the subject matter was too hard to understand or too academic.  I felt it was very well written to explain the science behind the research and any one could pick this up and learn about bats without needing a high level of understanding in science.  The author did a great job keeping the science content readable and interesting which I find is not always the case with non-fiction.

If you are interested in bats, or a very well written non-fiction about a topic you know nothing about this is a good one the pick up.  I certainly learned quite a bit of new information.  The audio is very well narrated.

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Review: The Witching Moon Manor by Stacy Sivinski

The Witching Moon Manor by Stacy Sivinski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This was such a cozy return to the Quigley house!  I loved the first book when my book club read it several months ago, and I was very excited to see that there was a second book coming out to expand the sister's world.  I would recommend reading the first book before diving in as it explains the magic system and the talents each of the sisters possess.

This book finds the sisters reunited after having split up to pursue their own talents.  Violet is back from flying high at the circus, though an accident has shaken her.  Beatrix is back from her latest book tour, but she is struggling to write despite having a talent for words.  Anne as usual has mounting responsibilities, but she is struggling with running the tea shop and working for the council.  Now back together the sisters can lean on each other, but they are all a bit ashamed of their faults and hesitant to talk about what is bothering them.  Anne must enlist the help of her sisters if she is going to save the city, as they helped her with her last mission and it is only when they work as a team and embrace their talents that they find success.

I really enjoyed this cozy magical mystery.  I love the character development we get from each of the sisters as they work together and independently to solve the mystery.  I also liked that the author brought back Mr. Crowley and his unfinished task back into play.  We learn more about his story and relationship with Philip as well as learn more about their families.  Each sister has to go on a self-discovery journey, but their paths all circle back to the same central place.  It really brought things full circle and I really enjoyed being back in the manor with them.

I really loved this book and the series as a whole.  It was perfectly cozy and magical!

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Review: The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens

The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ALC and ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

Set in the 70s, Tom and Alice set out on a road trip to visit the beauty of Canada's wilderness on their way to the Olympics in an effort to reconnect and heal after a tragic loss.  They Americans have planned their stops and activities at various RV parks and campgrounds and National Parks, purchased an RV, and have their tickets for the Olympics secured.  During their first stop they run into a young couple who appear to be hitchhiking, and in a kind gesture invite them to dinner and use of their spare tent for the night.  Tom being hospitable offers to give the couple a lift to their next stop.  Alice doesn't get a great feeling from the teens, but she decides to let it go for now as she's been trapped in a state of depression for a long time.  At a quick stop for gas Alice discovers that their passengers are on the run from the law and not who they claimed to be.  This puts Tom and Alice in danger and instead of a fun sightseeing vacation sets them on a dangerous flight from authorities with two very unstable teenagers.

This is told mainly from Alice's perspective, but we also get insights from Jenny, the pregnant teen who's boyfriend is holding Tom and Alice prisoner in their RV.  From Jenny we learn how she and Simon met and why they are on the run together.  We learn why she is so loyal to him and about her messed up home life, and her lack of knowledge about the world.  From Alice we get all of the tension about being held at gunpoint while her husband is injured and constantly threatened by a crazy teenager who is scared of being caught, but also has also unlocked his violent side and wants to protect Jenny in his own irrational way.  This is action packed, violent and gruesome at times, and the tension remains high throughout the book.  Alice plays her part to keep herself and Tom alive, but she is always looking for a way to escape, while trying to convince Jenny that Simon is not a good person.  The ending was unexpected.

This is my first book by the author and I very much enjoyed it,  I'm looking forward to reading more from the author!

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Review: Mirage City by Lev AC Rosen

Mirage City by Lev A.C. Rosen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC and an ALC of this book via Netgalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

This is the 4th book in the Evander Mills series, however I have not read the previous books in the series and was able to follow along.  There are references to cases and relationship elements in Evander aka Andy's past that could have used more context, but they aren't relevant to the mystery aspect of the plot.  If you've read the prior books, I assume you would understand those references, and while I was confused at times I was able to follow along and would consider this able to be read as a standalone.  I do think I would recommend reading the series in order though.

This is set in the 50s when being openly queer was not acceptable, and while Andy has set up is private investigator business and found a home with people he can be his true self around in San Francisco the same is not true for everyone else.  He is hired to find some missing persons by a member of the secret Mattachine Society, a queer rights society.  The case takes him to his home town of LA where he runs into some unsavory characters and reunites with his mom.  His mother is a nurse who happens to work at a mental health clinic whose methods are not very humane.  Andy has kept alot from his mom, but he has to balance the case, his own true nature, and his love for her and his own morals before the end.  

I mainly listened to the audiobook and between the writing and the narration, this felt like an episode of Dragnet, a police procedural set in the 50s in LA, which I watched when I was kid.  While Andy is no longer a cop, I thought the author did a great job with the investigative elements and making this queer in a time when being queer was not OK in society.  

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Review: The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill

The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ALC and ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This is not the typical type of book I read, however I do think that the author did a wonderful job evoking emotion and capturing family dynamics.  This was well written, and while not the type of topic I'm drawn to, the characters were well developed and the topics were well thought out and explained.  Please do check your triggers as this discusses religion, abortion, cheating, suicide, grief, and guilt quite heavily.

This follows the Ryan family as they get together for Thanksgiving in their Long Island home.  The story is told from the perspective of the three Ryan sisters who all have their own secrets and priorities.  The entire family harbors guilt, resentment, and other emotion but because of the way they were raised no one talks about anything.  Their closed off nature causes issues in their relationships with each other as well as their relationships with others.  It is also why they never speak about their late brother who took is own life.  Now all back in the same place, the sisters are all overwhelmed by their own issues, and everything bubbles over when everyone is stressed at the holidays.  Cait the eldest has flown in with her twins from England, and she is only focused on meeting up with her high school crush Luke.  She isn't the greatest mom, daughter or sister, but her trip home brings alot of things into perspective for her.  Alice the middle sister is overwhelmed by life.  As a stay at home mom she not only cares for her husband and kids, but she takes on the role of caretaker for her aging parents, and having recently gone back to work she realizes that she can't do everything.  She gets some surprising news that may upend her whole world, but she too gets some advice that sheds light on her situation.  Maggie, the youngest, is finally brave enough to bring her girlfriend home to meet her devout Catholic mother, but she is harboring a secret that is bigger than being accepted by her family that may stop her relationship in its tracks.  The Ryan family has a whirlwind Thanksgiving that causes them all to have many uncomfortable conversations that not only clear the air but bring them closer together as a family.

I had a hard time getting into this book mainly because I had a hard time connecting with the sisters.  I hated Cait for much of the book as she was really selfish and self-centered, she makes some really questionable decisions but eventually comes around in the end.  Maggie refuses to take accountability for her actions, and Alice's inability to ask for help irked me, all turns out well in the end when their realize they aren't alone and they have each other.  As the book went on I began to understand why no one in the family talked to each other about what happened and how they are feeling.  In the first half of the book, the author sets up the emotional turmoil they are all facing, then in the second half we find out more about events that took place in the past and why they felt they needed to hold their emotions in instead of working through them together.  The author does a great job of capturing the stress of a large family gathering when there are kids needing something every 2 minutes, loud conversations, people stressing about food and the weather, people causing drama, and others not feeling welcome.

This would be a great choice for a book club discussion as it covers quite a few sensitive topics but would also generate great conversations amongst the right group of people.  I was surprised to find out this was a debut novel, it is very well developed and the writing is that of a seasoned author.  

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Review: CORBIN: Wild Wolf Pack from the world of Gallize Shifters by Dianna Love

CORBIN: Wild Wolf Pack from the world of Gallize Shifters by Dianna Love
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the Wild Wolf Pack series, however it reads as a complete standalone.  It is also connected to the League of Gallize, however you don't have to have read that series either.  There are characters from that series present, but the author does a good job giving enough information for the reader to understand what is going on.  If you are familiar with those books, you'll already know what's going on and who some of the characters are.

This was an entertaining read with a nice mix of action, romance, and suspense.  This is more focused on Corbin connecting with his wolf and reconnecting with Eirene a girl from his past who he always believed was his mate.  After having been apart for many years and both holding a grudge since high school, their relationship felt a bit insta-love like and all was forgiven without much thought after a short conversation.  I did appreciate that there was no more angst between them after that though, once they were together that was it.  There were other factors trying to get in their way.

I always look forward to seeing what Love has in store for us when it comes to shifter romances.  This one took me a while to get into, something about the dialog between the characters bothered me but I can't pinpoint why, but overall I found it entertaining

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Review: Daedalus Is Dead by Seamus Sullivan

Daedalus Is Dead by Seamus Sullivan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided both an ARC and an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

I love Greek mythology, and I'm a huge fan of the retellings that have been coming out recently.  This follows Daedalus, who is often mentioned as a side character in other tales.  This novella focuses on Daedalus' relationship with Icarus, but it also weaves in the tales that Daedalus supports.  We get to experience the creation of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, the invention of his famous wings and loss of Icarus, and his journey through the underworld in a new light.  The author takes some liberties with this retelling when it comes to Daedalus and his choices, some where creative and supported the darker narrative and other's were questionable.  I enjoyed the portrayal of the Minotaur in this retelling.

I found parts of the story confusing as the timeline shifts back and forth in time and between 1st and 2nd person POV.  The present time is during Daedalus' time in the underworld with the past being during his time in Crete under Minos' rule.  The story is told by Daedalus to Icarus after Icarus flies too close to the sun.  Daedalus is an unreliable narrator as he tells the story of Icarus' life from birth through childhood, his death at this hands of his father's invention, and then Daedalus explains his slow descent into madness due to his grief.  Icarus was a beloved child and his loss drives his father to make some questionable decisions especially after his own death.  Daedalus ultimately wants to know "why" Icarus flew too close to the sun, which drives him to reflect if he was a good man and a good father?  I enjoyed the dreamlike way the author develops Daedalus' version of his history to Icarus, in which he defends his actions as a way to deal with his grief.

Overall I enjoyed this.  The cover is stunning and the audio narrator was excellent.

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Review: A Steeping of Blood by Hafsah Faizal

A Steeping of Blood by Hafsah Faizal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This picks up where book 1 leaves off so I don't recommend reading this as a standalone. Much like in the first book, this follows the same group of characters as they struggle with their new reality. There was alot of information revealed in the first book which left the reader with quite a few unanswered questions. This book answers those questions as Arthie, Jin, Flick, and Matteo plot and maneuver to expose the Ram and defeat her sinister plans. I don't want to spoil too much if you haven't read the first book. This has a ton of plot twists and some very emotional moments, some that will make you very happy and some that will make you want to throw the book across the room.

The pacing is a bit inconsistent and certain phrases are used repeatedly. Parts of the book are very fast moving especially at the end and feel rushed while others are a bit on the slower side and almost feel like they take too much time. I think part of that is because there is alot of character development especially with Flick. Much of the storyline centers on Flick and her feelings toward her mother and her life before she met Jin and Arthie. Arthie and Jin are also coming to terms with their new reality and what that means for their relationship and future. Arthie has always relied only on herself, but now she has people she trusts to help her execute her plans. Trust doesn't come easy for her but through the found family aspect, we really see her come to lean on her crew to thwart the enemy.

Overall I really enjoyed the conclusion to this YA duet. I love Faizal's writing style and the characters she creates.

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Review: What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher

What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This is the 3rd novella in the Sworn Soldier series, and follows Alex Easton to America to assist long time friend Denton to find a missing person.  Denton's cousin Oscar has gone missing while mining coal in West Virginia, and from Oscar's last correspondence something strange and possibly paranormal is going in in the mine.  Denton and Easton have faced plenty of horrific things in war, but even more strange things at Usher house (book 1).  Despite Easton's reluctance to visit America, they are the best person to solve the mystery of what is going on in the strange mine and where Oscar has gone.

As Easton and their crew search for the missing Oscar, they uncover strange things in the mine.  The atmosphere is claustrophobic (as it should be) and the horror elements are unique and well executed.  The characters have great banter adding a hint of humor to the mystery and horror vibes.  I don't want to say any more or it would spoil the story.

Each of the novellas follows a different plotline and can be read as a standalone.  The characters overlap and there are elements from previous books mentioned, however you can read each of them independently.

The narrator is excellent, and does a great job voicing Easton and the other characters in the novel.  Avi Roque has narrated all 3 novellas to date and always brings the eerie and creepy vibes and the right emotion into every scene.

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