Showing posts with label reread. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reread. Show all posts

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Nine Goblins - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

Nine Goblins
by T. Kingfisher

What is it about:
When a party of goblin warriors find themselves trapped behind enemy lines, it'll take more than whining (and a bemused Elven veterinarian) to get them home again.

Nine Goblins is a novella of low...very low...fantasy.

What did I think of it:
This such a fun read!
It's silly, funny, and touching all in one.

The story switches viewpoints between the goblins and Sings-to-Trees, an Elven veterinarian. I loved the goblins and their view of the world, but I will confess I loved Sings-to-Trees even more. He's on the receiving end of a lot of trouble, still he keeps going and stays helpful.
The goblins get themselves in hot water as well, but they're tough and resourceful in a unique goblin way.

All in all this was a delight to read, and as promised when I read it last year: I got my trotters on the hardcover for this first of many rereads!

Why should you read it:
It's a super fun Fantasy read!


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Tuesday, 26 August 2025

The Reluctant Queen - Book Review (reread/repost)

 


The Reluctant Queen (The Queens of Renthia #2)
by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:
Everything has a spirit: the willow tree with leaves that kiss the pond, the stream that feeds the river, the wind that exhales fresh snow . . .
And those spirits want to kill you.
It’s the first lesson that every Renthian learns.

Not long ago, Daleina used her strength and skill to survive those spirits and assume the royal throne. Since then, the new queen has kept the peace and protected the humans of her land. But now for all her power, she is hiding a terrible secret: she is dying. And if she leaves the world before a new heir is ready, the spirits that inhabit her beloved realm will run wild, destroying her cities and slaughtering her people.

Naelin is one such person, and she couldn’t be further removed from the Queen—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her world is her two children, her husband, and the remote village tucked deep in the forest that is her home, and that’s all she needs. But when Ven, the Queens champion, passes through the village, Naelin’s ambitious husband proudly tells him of his wife’s ability to control spirits—magic that Naelin fervently denies. She knows that if the truth of her abilities is known, it will bring only death and separation from those she loves.

But Ven has a single task: to find the best possible candidate to protect the people of Aratay. He did it once when he discovered Daleina, and he’s certain he’s done it again. Yet for all his appeals to duty, Naelin is a mother, and she knows her duty is to her children first and foremost. Only as the Queen’s power begins to wane and the spirits become emboldened—even as ominous rumors trickle down from the north—does she realize that the best way to keep her son and daughter safe is to risk everything.

What did I think of it:
I loved The Queen of Blood, so I made sure to get my trotters on the paperback of The Reluctant Queen.

And even though I never got to love Naelin as much as I love Daleina this is a really good Fantasy read.

The worldbuilding is wonderful, and the intrigues in this book kept me reading. Naelin might not have won my love, but I rooted for Daleina and for Ven. I had my doubts when it became clear Naelin's children had a bigger part in the story than I thought when reading the blurb, but they luckily weren't as annoying as I feared (yes: I'm not a big fan of children in SFF books).

All in all this is a very enjoyable read that ends in a way that I will most definitely buy the last book once it is available in paperback.

Thoughts on rereading
I will probably never become a fan of Naelin. I didn't warm up to her the first time I read this book, and didn't this time either. Still this is such a great story! And there's several viewpoint characters, so it's not Naelin all the time luckily enough. And there's tons of characters who I did love. I was totally invested in the intrigue and the drama. Some things are solved in this book, but much more still need to be solved. I'm looking forward to rereading the last book (which for some reason I never reviewed, and I can't really remember a lot, so I'm a bit worried).

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Fantasy read full of intrigue.
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Monday, 25 August 2025

The Queen of Blood - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

The Queen of Blood (The Queens of Renthia #1)
by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:
An idealistic young student and a banished warrior become allies in a battle to save their realm in this first book of a mesmerizing epic fantasy series, filled with political intrigue, violent magic, malevolent spirits, and thrilling adventure

Everything has a spirit: the willow tree with leaves that kiss the pond, the stream that feeds the river, the wind that exhales fresh snow...

But the spirits that reside within this land want to rid it of all humans. One woman stands between these malevolent spirits and the end of humankind: the queen. She alone has the magical power to prevent the spirits from destroying every man, woman, and child. But queens are still just human, and no matter how strong or good, the threat of danger always looms.

With the position so precarious, young women are chosen to train as heirs. Daleina, a seemingly quiet academy student, is under no illusions as to her claim to the throne, but simply wants to right the wrongs that have befallen the land. Ven, a disgraced champion, has spent his exile secretly fighting against the growing number of spirit attacks. Joining forces, these daring partners embark on a treacherous quest to find the source of the spirits’ restlessness—a journey that will test their courage and trust, and force them to stand against both enemies and friends to save their land... before it’s bathed in blood.

What did I think of it:
If I'm honest I think that for a lot of people the first part of this book will seem slow, but as it's mostly about Daleina going through her training in a boarding school I was hooked. (Yes, I have a great weakness for boarding school stories.) It's the second part of the story where things speed up to rush to a stunning finale.

I loved the world building and very much enjoyed learning about the spirits together with Daleina as she studies. I also loved that Daleina isn't some kind of prodigy, but that she has to struggle to get were she wants to go. It made her very easy to relate to.

I also really liked Ven and rooted for both him and Daleina to succeed in their goals. I will admit that the further I got into the story the more I started to care for both of them and it became more and more difficult to put the book down.

The ending was beautiful and although it's in no way a cliffhanger it left me hungry for more of this world and the characters. I will most certainly keep an eye out for the next book and I will investigate what other books Durst has written.

Thoughts on rereading:
I'm guessing that there were some very vocal people back in 2017 who complained it was slow, and that's why I mentioned it in my review. I didn't think it was too slow back then, and still don't think so now.
It was so good to reread this and I still love it as much as I did back then. Daleina is such a great heroine. If you love Durst's The Spellshop & The Enchanted Greenhouse, give this book a try: you won't be disappointed.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful Fantasy read.


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Tuesday, 15 July 2025

The Enchanted Greenhouse - Release Day Book Review (repost/reread)

The Enchanted Greenhouse released today!

Go get it asap!

The Enchanted Greenhouse
by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:
New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst invites you to her new standalone novel nestled on a far-away island brimming with singing flowers, honey cakes, and honeyed love. The hardcover edition features beautiful sprayed edges.

Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium.

This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home.

But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again.

This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

Funny, kind, and forgiving, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a story about giving second chances—to others and to yourself.

What did I think of it:
*I read a digital ARC in February, then was gifted a print ARC and reread this book this month*

This is a standalone set in the same world as The Spellshop, but anyone who read and loved The Spellshop will recognize who Terlu is, and so needs to read this! New to this world? You can totally read and love this book without reading the Spellshop first, but believe me: you need both these books, they're both awesome!

I liked Terlu, and had a lot of sympathy for her, but then the grumpy gardener Yarrow was introduced, and just Wow! He and I have a lot in common I have to confess. From that point on I so rooted for the both of them,(maybe a little bit more for Yarrow) that they would succeed in saving the greenhouses.

And the talking plants! I fell in love with Dendy in particular, I will say.

I feared one of my least favorite tropes would happen in this book, and it did, but Durst managed to write it in a way that didn't make me want to puke like I usually do with this particular trope (which I will name the 'Shiny Happy People' trope to not spoil too much). 

So with a certain trope handled in the best way possible this was just as beautiful and emotional a read as The Spellshop. I loved reading about the wonders in the greenhouses, and learn more about the world Durst created. There's tons of beauty and whimsy, next to a really emotional story that also has lots to smile about.

You bet I will impatiently wait for the release and get my trotters on the hardcover to place it next to The Spellshop. And if there's to be more books: I'm going to hope it will be about certain characters who have a small role in this book.

Thoughts on rereading:
Still as amazing as the first read, and Yarrow is absolutely a kindred spirit.

Why should you read it:
It's a great, cozy Fantasy with a wonderfully grumpy gardener.


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Monday, 14 July 2025

The Spellshop - Book Review (repost/reread)

The Enchanted Greenhouse is releasing tomorrow.

In anticipation of the release I reread both The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse (ARC)

The Spellshop
by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:
The Spellshop is Sarah Beth Durst’s romantasy debut–a lush cottagecore tale full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams, and even sweeter love.

Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people. Thankfully, as a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she and her assistant, Caz—a magically sentient spider plant—have spent the last decade sequestered among the empire’s most precious spellbooks, preserving their magic for the city’s elite.

When a revolution begins and the library goes up in flames, she and Caz flee with all the spellbooks they can carry and head to a remote island Kiela never thought she’d see again: her childhood home. Taking refuge there, Kiela discovers, much to her dismay, a nosy—and very handsome—neighbor who can’t take a hint and keeps showing up day after day to make sure she’s fed and to help fix up her new home.

In need of income, Kiela identifies something that even the bakery in town doesn’t have: jam. With the help of an old recipe book her parents left her and a bit of illegal magic, her cottage garden is soon covered in ripe berries.

But magic can do more than make life a little sweeter, so Kiela risks the consequences of using unsanctioned spells and opens the island’s first-ever and much needed secret spellshop.

What did I think of it:
When Jeffe told me I should read this book, I was easily convinced as I absolutely love Sarah Beth Durst's The Queen of Blood (I'm so going to get my trotters on the new paperback once it releases, because: have you seen that new cover!). 

And this book is so going on my keeper shelves and will be hugged, treasured, and reread!

What a beautiful, touching read. If you need a cozy Fantasy read: look no further and get your hands on The Spellshop!

I loved Kiela from the start, and don't get me started on Caz, because I'll be singing his praises for hours.  I mean: an intelligent, talking, sarcastic spider plant!!

The story is so sweet, and I kept reading to see what happens next for Kiela and Caz. There's some danger to keep you on edge, but mainly this book was delightful and full of whimsy. It made me smile while reading.

So you bet I jumped on the chance to read an Advance Reader Copy of the next book set in the same world as The Spellshop.

Thoughts on rereading:
This is such a delightful read. I most certainly will reread this often. The world, the characters, everything just hits right.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful, cozy, and heartwarming Fantasy read.
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Wednesday, 9 April 2025

Wolf Tracks - A Book Review by Voodoo Bride (reread/repost)

 

Wolf Tracks by Vivian Arend
(ebook, novella)

What is it about:
TJ Lynus is a legend in Granite Lake, both for his easygoing demeanor—and his clumsiness. His carefree acceptance of his lot vanishes, though, when his position as best man brings him face to face with someone he didn’t expect. His mate. His very human mate. Suddenly, one thing is crystal clear: if he intends to claim her, his usual laid-back attitude isn’t going to cut it.

After fulfilling her maid-of-honor duties, Pam Quinn has just enough time for a Yukon wilderness trip before returning south. The instant attraction between her and TJ tempts her to indulge in some Northern Delight, but when he drops the F-bomb—“forever”—she has second thoughts. In her world, true love is a fairytale that seldom, if ever, comes true.

Okay, so maybe staging a kidnapping wasn’t TJ’s best idea, but at least Pam has the good humour to agree to his deal. He’ll give her all the northern exposure she can stand—and she won’t break his kneecaps.

Now to convince her that fairytales can remake her world—and that forever is worth fighting for.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
Just as all the other Granite Lake Wolves novellas this story was fun, romantic and hot. It's the most fluffy of the first four novellas as it focuses mainly on the romance where the other stories have a bit of an action storyline going as well, but I can't say it bothered me and I really enjoyed this latest addition to this series. I do think if you aren't familiar with this series you can better read Wolf Signs first though as it will introduce you to TJ and it will make you love him even more than you will by reading this story on it's own. I do hope Arend will continue to write new stories in this series.

Why should you read it:
Clumsy sidekick finally gets the chance to show he's just as cool and sexy as the other wolves!

Notes on rereading:
I'm doing my rereading out of order and can't remember everything from Wolf Signs. It does seem TJ is just as lovable if you've only read Wolf Games before diving into this one. I think if you read this as a standalone TJ might miss some of his clumsy charm that makes you already like him in the other books.


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Friday, 14 March 2025

What Moves the Dead - Book Review (reread/repost)

 


What Moves the Dead (Sworn Soldier #1)
by T. Kingfisher

What is it about:
From the award-winning author of The Twisted Ones comes a gripping and atmospheric retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's classic "The Fall of the House of Usher."

When Alex Easton, a retired soldier, receives word that their childhood friend Madeline Usher is dying, they race to the ancestral home of the Ushers in the remote countryside of Ruritania.

What they find there is a nightmare of fungal growths and possessed wildlife, surrounding a dark, pulsing lake. Madeline sleepwalks and speaks in strange voices at night, and her brother Roderick is consumed with a mysterious malady of the nerves.

Aided by a redoubtable British mycologist and a baffled American doctor, Alex must unravel the secret of the House of Usher before it consumes them all.

What did I think of it:
I totally pre-ordered this book because it sounded cool and I couldn't resist that cover! (The end-papers have a really cool illustration as well.)

And this is indeed a really cool read!

It's a retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." , but you can definitely read it without having read Poe's original. It's atmospheric, disturbing, and delightfully creepy.

I loved Alex, they're a great hero: down to earth, pragmatic, but also caring towards their friends. And their narration brings some humor to an otherwise creepy tale. Having read a lot of Poe's works, the plot wasn't unfamiliar, but the way Kingfisher gave it life and brought new things to it made that I was invested from the start. 

A warning to those who might have read other books by Kingfisher (A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking or Paladin's Grace for example): Kingfisher is a pen name used by Ursula Vernon for anything that doesn't fit the Ursula Vernon name, so this book is very different than some of the other books written under the Kingfisher name.

You bet i'll be trying to find more creepy, atmospheric beauty among the Kingfisher books though! 

Why should you read it:
It's a delightfully atmospheric read.

Thoughts on rereading:
Yup: Still just as beautifully atmospheric as the first time. A total keeper. Now on to read the next one.


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Friday, 23 February 2024

Exit Strategy - Book Review (Reread/Repost)

 


Exit Strategy (The Murderbot Diaries #4)
by Martha Wells

What is it about:
Murderbot wasn’t programmed to care. So, its decision to help the only human who ever showed it respect must be a system glitch, right?

Having traveled the width of the galaxy to unearth details of its own murderous transgressions, as well as those of the GrayCris Corporation, Murderbot is heading home to help Dr. Mensah—its former owner (protector? friend?)—submit evidence that could prevent GrayCris from destroying more colonists in its never-ending quest for profit.

But who’s going to believe a SecUnit gone rogue?

And what will become of it when it’s caught?

What did I think of it:
Until I read this novella Artificial Condition was my favorite of these novellas (ART!), but now it will have to share first place with Exit Strategy.

Murderbot has answers to several of its questions and is on its way to Dr. Mensah, who bought Murderbot from its corporation and thereby giving Murderbot its freedom. But things have happened while Murderbot was gone, and soon it is in the middle of dangerous politics and games.

Once again there is lots of action while Murderbot tries to save the day. There are returning characters as well, and I loved catching up with them. I read this novella in one sitting, because it was just too suspenseful to put down. I needed to know if all my favorite characters would survive.

All in all another awesome read. I'm hooked on this series!

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool SF novella


buy from amazon
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Wednesday, 17 January 2024

Working Stiff - Book Review (repost/reread)

 


Working Stiff (Revivalist #1)
by Rachel Caine

What is it about:
Bryn Davis was killed on the job after discovering her bosses were selling a drug designed to resurrect the dead. Now, revived by that same drug, she becomes an undead soldier in a corporate war to take down the very pharmaceutical company responsible for her new condition...

What did I think of it:
This was a fun read.

The idea of someone resurrected from the dead was well thought out, including weaknesses and how such a person would react to her state. I also really liked the action storyline where Bryn and her allies are on a deadline to find a corporate thief before her boss decides she's a liability and she needs to be terminated. It makes this story very tense and suspenseful.

I had some difficulties with Bryn. For someone who's been in the army she's acting like a damsel in distress a bit too much in my opinion. I also had some trouble getting into the romance. I once again started rooting for the wrong guy and maybe that's why I didn't feel a connection between Bryn and her love interest at first. But after a shaky start it picked up nicely and I ended up enjoying the romance.

The ending felt a bit chaotic and rushed though. I felt a bit disappointed by some of the solutions. There was also a plot line that was left open for the next book.

In the end I really enjoyed this book and apart from the flaws I mentioned it's a compelling read. I will most probably give the next book in this series a try.

Thoughts on rereading: 
Still think Bryn goes for the wrong man. He's ok, but the other guy is soo much cooler in my opinion. Alas. 

Why should you read it:
It's a suspenseful Urban Fantasy read


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Monday, 8 January 2024

Ghost of a Chance - Book Review (repost/reread)

 

Ghost of a Chance (Karma Marx, #1) 
by Katie Macalister

What is it about:
While trapped in a house with her sleazy husband Spider and other characters, Karma Marx, who exorcises haunted houses for a living, investigates Spider's murder, forcing her to find the truth among the living and the dead.

What did I think of it:
A nice, if somewhat shaky mystery with an intriguing setting. In this book Macalister (writing under the name Marsh) proves she doesn't need snarky characters and steamy romance to keep you reading. I really liked how she uses creatures she also uses in her Dark Ones series and expands on them in this story. I also really liked Karma and Macalister's writing style holds up perfectly when stripped of the snark, which made it a lot more serious than her Dark Ones books, but I must say I enjoyed the more serious tone. The plot was a bit wobbly at times, but all in all I really enjoyed reading this book and I hope there will be more books in this series.

Notes on rereading:
I got the new (re-released) ebook and read that instead of my 13 year old print copy which should be somewhere among my many books. And I must say I'm tempted to dig up that old copy to see if the original ending is the same, as the ending felt rushed as if there was a scene left out or some extra scene was just slapped on to connect this book to the next one, Otherwise this held up fine and I'll be reading book 2 soon. 

Why should you read it:
It's a nicely written paranormal whodunnit


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Wednesday, 1 November 2023

Dark Currents - Book Review (reread/repost)

 


Dark Currents (Agent of Hel #1)
by Jacqueline Carey

What is it about:
The Midwestern resort town of Pemkowet boasts a diverse population: eccentric locals, wealthy summer people, and tourists by the busload; not to mention fairies, sprites, vampires, naiads, ogres and a whole host of eldritch folk, presided over by Hel, a reclusive Norse goddess.

To Daisy Johanssen, fathered by an incubus and raised by a single mother, it’s home. And as Hel’s enforcer and the designated liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, it’s up to her to ensure relations between the mundane and eldritch communities run smoothly.

But when a young man from a nearby college drowns—and signs point to eldritch involvement—the town’s booming paranormal tourism trade is at stake. Teamed up with her childhood crush, Officer Cody Fairfax, a sexy werewolf on the down-low, Daisy must solve the crime—and keep a tight rein on the darker side of her nature. For if she’s ever tempted to invoke her demonic birthright, it could accidentally unleash nothing less than Armageddon.

What did I think of it:
This is a fun read.

I loved the word building in this book. It's very diverse and even though it lends from all kinds of mythologies it felt unique.

Daisy was a cool character with an interesting back-story. She of course does attract the attention of multiple men, because she's so special, but it wasn't annoying. The annoyance will probably come in upcoming books when she will pick the wrong guy(s) in my opinion.

That aside: The story was both funny and suspenseful. I kept trying to guess what would happen next, and how Daisy would solve things. I loved how a lot of different supernatural creatures get involved and introduced. I especially liked the ghouls, and Daisy's friend Lurine.

Although the murder mystery is resolved in this book, there are some things happening in this book that lend themselves for more intrigue and suspense for the next book, so you bet I will be getting my trotters on it to find out what's next for Daisy.

Thought on rereading:
Another book where I almost didn't remember anything. But I had book 2 in my TBR since 2015, so I decided to do a reread to refresh my memory. And this is such a cool read! Why did I forget about it? I immediately picked up book 2 after finishing my reread. 

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining Urban Fantasy read.
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Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Touched by an Alien - Book Review by Voodoo Bride (reread/repost)

Touched by an Alien - Gini Koch

What is it about:
How can a sexy marketing manager join forces with an Alpha Centauri male in Armani to save the planet-using hairspray, a Mont Blanc pen, and rock n' roll?

Easy...

She's "Touched by an Alien"

Marketing manager Katherine "Kitty" Katt steps into the middle of what appears to be a domestic dispute turned ugly. And it only gets uglier when the man turns into a winged monster, straight out of a grade-Z horror movie, and goes on a killing spree. Though Kitty should probably run away, she springs into action to take the monster down.
In the middle of the chaos a handsome hunk named Jeff Martini appears, sent by the "agency" to perform crowd control. He's Kitty's kind of guy, no matter what planet he's from. And from now on, for Kitty, things are going to be sexy, dangerous, wild, and out of this world.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a great book! It has witty humor, gorgeous aliens, a heroine I could really relate to and a fast paced story packed with lots of action. The romance part of the story didn't overshadow the main storyline while still adding an extra layer to the story and even though the story is kept light by the humor used throughout the book the plot and action still are exciting enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Kitty is a strong heroine, but also fun, nice and quirky. All in all a delightfully fun read.

Notes on rereading:
I hadn't reread this in several years and almost forgot how much fun this book is. It hits several sweet spots for me when it comes to romance. Jeff is absolutely among my favorite romantic heroes. I might need to reread more books in this series.

Why should you read it:

Fans of romantic urban fantasy and science fiction will love this book 

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Wednesday, 6 July 2022

Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach - Book Review (repost/reread)


Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach
by Kelly Robson

What is it about:
Discover a shifting history of adventure as humanity clashes over whether to repair their ruined planet or luxuriate in a less tainted past.

In 2267, Earth has just begun to recover from worldwide ecological disasters. Minh is part of the generation that first moved back up to the surface of the Earth from the underground hells, to reclaim humanity's ancestral habitat. She's spent her entire life restoring river ecosystems, but lately the kind of long-term restoration projects Minh works on have been stalled due to the invention of time travel. When she gets the opportunity take a team to 2000 BC to survey the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, she jumps at the chance to uncover the secrets of the shadowy think tank that controls time travel technology.

What did I think of it:
I have wanted to read this book for a while, but never got to it, so my attempts to read some of the Hugo nominations was a good excuse to finally pick it up.

And this is such a great story!

Maybe you know I have a weakness for time travel stories, but that I'm often disappointed or frustrated by the flaws or logical errors in those stories. This story did everything right in my opinion. I loved the time travel theory that was used here, I loved how Robson applied it to the story, and I could actually believe it would work like this. Just for that this novella deserves praise!

But that's not the only praise it gets! I also loved the characters, the world building, and the story. That Minh has tentacles for legs was just the yummy icing on an already delicious cake. I was hooked from the start and wanted to find out more about this future, Minh, her coworkers, and if they could pull off the project they set themselves.

There's more I want to tell you, because it was so cool in my opinion, but that would lead into spoiler territory, so I'll just say I recommend this novella to everyone who loves a well thought-out time travel story.

I'll be investigating what other stories Robson wrote.

Notes on rereading:
I was once again totally hooked! On reread the time travelling still hold up as well as the first time I read this, and I loved Minh even more. I'm holding out hope there will be a sequel one day.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool Time Travel story.


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Wednesday, 29 June 2022

Rogue's Paradise - Book Review by Voodoo Bride (repost and reread)

 

Rogue's Paradise (Covenant of Thorns #3)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:

Faerie, the land of blood, magic, and betrayal…

At last, the fae lord, Rogue, has won everything. He has me in his home, his bed, and I’m desperately in love with him despite my best efforts and better judgment.

Did I mention I’m pregnant?

As our child grows inside me, the one I’m pledged to give to him, I still have no idea what will happen after the birth. Though Rogue is attentive in every way a woman could wish for, bringing me delirious pleasure and gifts beyond price, he still won’t—or can’t—tell me what game he’s playing. Or what the viciously sadistic Queen Titania has to do with our many bargains.

I’m most afraid that, if he betrays us, I’ll never be able to forgive him. Even though I can’t stop loving him.

As war threatens everything we’ve built, as my body swells with the enchanted pregnancy, I become more certain with every day that the true enemy lurks within our castle walls. And that the man I’ve vowed eternal commitment to, may be the last person I can trust…

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is an awesome conclusion to a beautiful series.

The Covenant of Thorns series is not your normal Fantasy Romance: it's dark, gritty and with dangers lurking everywhere. Even now that Gwynn finally has accepted Rogue as her lover and they are together, Gwynn's problems are far from over. Is Rogue to be trusted? Will he stand by her side in her battle against Titania, or will he betray her, whether he wants to or not?

I have probably said this before, but the world building in this series is amazing! I love how 'other' Jeffe made the fae. They don't think like humans, and have their own twisted logic, making them strange and even creepy.

With Rogue and Gwynn together there were a lot of tender, romantic scenes, and some scorching hot ones as well. I very much enjoyed seeing the two of them getting closer, although they still have their disagreements and fights as well. Their relationship felt real and I loved them as a couple.

The dangers they're facing cast a shadow over their relationship and kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted them to have a happy ending, but at times it felt like an impossibility. The story is full of darkness and duality. I kept believing in Jeffe's storytelling though, hanging on to every bit of hope, and trusted that she would give me an ending that I could find satisfying.

And Jeffe once more delivered. The ending had me sniffling happy tears I can tell you.

I felt both happy and sad to have come to this beautiful ending of a dark and delicious story. I will most certainly reread this trilogy, and hope Jeffe decides to revisit this world to give me even more to love about it.

Notes on rereading:
As with the other books: even knowing how things would go I was once again getting anxious on Gwynn's behalf. This story is just so gripping and deliciously dark. You bet I'll get my greedy hands on the new versions once they release.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful and dark Fantasy Romance


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