Book Reviews

Exploring Divine Power and Intricate World-Building in The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart

The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart takes readers on an epic journey into a world shaped by ancient magic, gods in hiding, and powerful gemstones that bestow magical abilities on the fortunate few. Through the eyes of multiple characters, we are immersed in a richly built world of political intrigue, environmental destruction, and survival. Stewart…
Enchanting Folklore and Slow-Burn Romance: A Review of A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft is a lush and captivating sapphic fantasy romance that masterfully blends folklore, mystery, and an intriguing murder plot. Set in the magical kingdom of Brunnestaad, the story follows Lorelai Kaskel, a sharp-tongued folklorist, and her academic rival Sylvia von Wolff as they embark on an expedition to…
You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao: A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Love, Loss, and Letting Go

You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao is a poignant debut that explores the complexities of grief, love, and the struggle to let go. The story follows Julie, a seventeen-year-old girl who finds herself lost after the sudden death of her boyfriend, Sam. When she unexpectedly reconnects with him through a mysterious phone call, Julie gets…
Nettle by Bex Hogan 🌿 A Dark, Enchanting Faery Tale

Nettle by Bex Hogan is a bewitching tale inspired by faery myth and folklore, taking readers on a captivating journey through a dark and dangerous fae kingdom. This young adult fantasy weaves together the enchantment of the faery realm with the treacherous consequences of striking bargains with the fae. Following the determined and curious protagonist,…
A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan – A Romantic Tale of Dragons and Deception

Sophie Jordan’s A Fire in the Sky promises an enchanting tale filled with dragons, magic, and romance set in a world where power and deceit reign. The story introduces us to Tamsyn, a royal whipping girl, and Fell, a feared warrior known as the Beast of the Borderlands. As the two are thrust into a…
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace: A Gothic Mystery with Death as a Love Interest

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace is a gothic murder mystery wrapped in lush, atmospheric writing and laced with romance. The story centres on Signa, a young orphan raised by a string of ill-fated guardians, and her eerie connection with Death, who has shadowed her since infancy. When Signa moves in with her last remaining relatives, the…
Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright 🩸 A Dark Blend of Blood Magic, Romance, and Revenge

Mistress of Lies by KM Enright plunges readers into a world brimming with blood magic, political intrigue, and morally complex characters. The story follows Shan LeClaire, a blood worker willing to kill for power, and Samuel Hutchinson, a reluctant participant in a world of magic he’s tried to avoid. The intricate layers of betrayal, revenge,…
Januaries by Olivie Blake ✨ A Mixed Bag of Magical Short Stories

Januaries by Olivie Blake is a collection of short stories and novellas, offering readers a variety of magical and fantastical premises, from fairy tales reimagined to contemporary absurdist poetry. Known for her bestselling works, Blake uses this collection to explore themes of life, death, love, and revenge. However, the quality of the stories varies, leaving…
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: A Slow-Burn Exploration of Secrets, Sacrifice, and Self-Discovery

Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s The Daughter of Doctor Moreau takes us into the heart of 19th-century Mexico, blending historical fiction with sci-fi and gothic romance in a reimagining of H.G. Wells’ classic tale. Set against the sweltering backdrop of the Yucatán Peninsula during the Caste War, the story unfolds through the eyes of Carlota, a young woman…