The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Piers Morgan is a poison eater, descended from a long line of secret witches who cleanse the world of evildoers and abusers. Though she knows next to nothing about this side of her family, she’s always suspected her lifelong craving for deadly pokeweed berries was more than a little unusual.

When her abusive husband sends her on the run to her Great Aunt Myrtle in upstate New York—the only living relative she’s ever met once briefly—Piers finally discovers the truth behind her deadly obsession. But with killers on her trail and an unexpectedly charming sheriff taking an interest in her, she must protect her family’s secrets while fighting to save her own life.

Ava Morgyn builds a fascinating and highly original world filled with action, danger, and intrigue. The concept of the Bane Witch and poison eaters feels fresh and distinctive. While parts of the story were difficult to read at first—I initially worried the novel would focus solely on abused women—the narrative quickly evolves into a story about resilience, power, and a strong, women-centered family of witches who fight back.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from a new-to-me author and am already looking forward to reading more of her work. I plan to pick up one of her previous works, The Witches of Bone Hill, very soon.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★

This atmospheric gothic fantasy was sooo good I just ate it up!

Leena Al-Sayer can see the dead, a secret she keeps mostly between herself and her brother so as to stave off all the trouble it can bring. Until she has to "sell" that secret to the Saint of Silence in order to procure some pricey meds for said brother. But letting the Saint in on her little secret comes with a whole bunch of trouble! Including a deadly contract which she must fulfill.

Leena and St. Silas head to the living, breathing estate of Weavingshaw to attempt to track down the ghost of Percival Avon, whom St. Silas, secretive as he is, insists must be found. But once the house has them in its clutches, will it ever let go?

This story was full of suspense, mystery, intrigue, and a dash of romance. Sentient houses always spook me out (in a good way) and this one didn't disappoint! It ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger so I'm eagerly looking forward to the sequel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Del Ray for sending me an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

#Weavingshaw #NetGalley

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Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Homegrown Magic is a queer cozy romance sprinkled with magic.

The story started off pretty slow and seemed to drone on and on in the beginning. Two chapters in and I was so bored, I didn't think I'd be able to finish, especially since the authors did way too much "telling" instead of "showing". i.e. her dress was red, his hair was blonde, etc. (Those aren't exact quotes from the book, just examples of what I mean by telling instead of showing.) I think that contributed a lot to the tediousness I was feeling. As the story picked up speed however, I didn't notice this as much. When I looked for it, it was still there in some places, but not as much.

Things started to get more interesting once Yael and Margot met up, even though their budding romance moved along at a snails pace. But at least we got to see inside their heads, and see how they were each feeling towards each other. Sometimes their inner dialogue was still a bit tedious in places however. I also really wish Margot opened up sooner rather than thinking everything was on her to solve. It's a character trait I don't really admire so it didn't endear her to me as much as Yael's issues with their family did.

And don't be throwing me shade for this next comment because it's not meant in a discriminatory way at all. It's probably just a a problem of mine, but I've not yet gotten used to reading an entire book with one of the MCs using a "they" pronoun. Many times when "they" was used, I kept thinking the author was referring to both MCs instead of just the one (this wasn't the first book to affect me this way). This is probably an issue that only impacts me as a Gen X'er who learned to read and write when "they" was mainly used for plural and he or she for singular in order to avoid this kind of ambiguity. (Yes, I know "they" can also be used singular, but it never really was back then due to the obscurity it can generate, so I've obviously still got some outdated traditions to break and that's on me. Maybe they they were on to something with the Spivak pronouns e/em/eir, or maybe we need to invent a new word that's a plural version of they.)

Overall though, once it got going, I found the story amusing and engaging, and would recommend it to fans of cozy romance with a slow burn and a seasoning of magic.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this pre-release book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

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Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde #3) by Heather Fawcett

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★

Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales is the third and final book in the Emily Wilde series detailing the fun and harrowing adventures of Emily, Wendell, and their friends. (Reviews for book 1 and book 2 on my blog.)

Now that Wendell's evil stepmother has finally been dethroned from the realm of Silva Lupi, it is time for Wendell to take the throne, with Emily by his side as its Queen. The pair have taken a long-term leave of absence from their posts at the University of Cambridge, but of course retaking the throne is definitely not all smooth sailing as they uncover many obstacles, and plenty of danger, along the way.

This final installment in the trilogy had everything! It was fanciful, thrilling, romantic, even heartbreaking at times. I highly recommend this series!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with this Advance Readers Copy. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

#EmilyWildesCompendiumofLostTales #NetGalley

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REVIEW: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

Set in the rebellious year of 1970, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix delves into the heartbreaking and disturbing world of pregnant teenagers forced into "Homes" to hide their pregnancies and give up their babies. The protagonist, Fern, a 15-year-old girl, is sent to one such institution, where she befriends several other girls enduring the same fate. The book explores their desperate need for empowerment and freedom, which leads them to a quirky librarian who gives them a book, How to be a Groovy Witch—a gift that changes their lives in ways they never expected.

This novel not only touches on themes of rebellion, autonomy, and sisterhood but also provides a chilling look at the harsh reality many young women faced in a time when abortion was illegal and women’s rights were actively fought for. As Fern and her friends seek a sense of agency, the introduction of witchcraft as a form of resistance adds a darkly magical and fantastical twist to the narrative, although its consequences aren’t always positive.

As someone who was still an infant in 1970, I found the portrayal of the era’s treatment of of pregnant teens incredibly eye-opening. I wasn’t fully aware of how deeply restrictive and stigmatizing that time was for young women, and the emotional impact of reading about these girls' struggles was jarring. It made me reflect on how far we've come—and how much work is still left to do. It also reinforces the fact that witchcraft, while often vilified and fantasized in such contexts, is also a symbol of reclaiming power and identity, despite the consequences in this story.

I particularly appreciated how the author skillfully captures the frustration and injustice of the time, while also adding in a dash of fantasy. The horror is not so much in the witchcraft and mayhem that follow but in the reality of how society once treated young women like Fern. This book certainly stirs emotions and invites the reader to reflect on gender, autonomy, and the complex ways society tries to control women's lives. The combination of Hendrix's dark humor and social commentary makes this a compelling read. It’s a gripping, thought-provoking, and at times unsettling tale that does an excellent job of immersing the reader in the atmosphere of the time while drawing attention to enduring social issues.

For anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a (small) twist of magical fantasy and social critique, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is definitely a book worth reading. It’s both a poignant reminder of the past and a call to action, urging readers to think critically about the treatment of women and their bodies.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#WitchcraftforWaywardGirls #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Elgin Conspiracy by Julia Golding

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Dora and Jacob are are back! It's the year 1812 in England and this time around, they're investigating a threat to Lord Elgin surrounding his Greek Marbles (statues). But when one of Elgin's colleagues turns up dead, the investigation turns dangerous, and Dora and Jacob go undercover to discover all the dirt they can. Assassins, secrets, and deceit are uncovered along the way. These two make the best sleuthing team! In the funnest and funniest ways possible of course.

The Elgin Conspiracy is the follow-up to the fun and adventurous The Persephone Code. While it can be read standalone, it greatly enhances the reading experience to have read The Persephone Code first for greater insight into the main characters and their backgrounds. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this dynamic duo.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#TheElginConspiracy #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Last Wrathwitch by David Paul George

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

The Last Wrathwitch is the bewitching tale of Affinity Blending, teenage witch. She's on a mission to save her mom from a witch-hunting demon who's imprisoned her in Hell, and discovers a lot about herself in the process.

Affinity was a very likeable character who didn't take no for an answer and questioned everything she encountered, kind of like me. :) Well, maybe I'm not likeable (or maybe I am), but at least the latter two. ;) It was a fun, quick read with an engaging story, a captivating magic system, and detailed world building.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#TheLastWrathwitch #NetGalley

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REVIEW: Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Winterfrost Market is a cozy, closed-door romantasy by Jenny Sandiford perfect for the winter season. The picturesque towns of Winterfrost and Midwinter Haven are the quintessential settings for this holiday-themed story, beautifully creating the Christmas spirit atmosphere.

Elise and her family run a tea shop in the cozy town of Winterfrost. But when her mom goes missing up in the northern Fae territories while seeking one of the secret ingredients for their prize-winning tea blend, Elise is determined to discover what happened and bring her back home, no matter what the danger. She sets off with Kit, a tracker who's also headed up to the northern Fae realms. While he doesn't claim to be Fae, Elise has her suspicions after spending a few days on the road with him. But can she keep her feelings in check long enough to find out the truth, both about her mother and Kit?

This was a charming, heartwarming adventure, perfect for the holiday season, and a delight to read. I really enjoyed all the characters (even the nasty ones), and the developing "should they or shouldn't they" attraction between Elise and Kit had me rooting for them all the way! There's no spice here, so readers looking for SJM-spicy romantasy may want to look elsewhere. But lest your palate become sensitized to all that spiciness, I'd definitely recommend taking a breather with this one, particularly for the holiday season.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#WinterfrostMarket #NetGalley

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REVIEW: Impractical Magic by Emily Grimoire

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Impractical Magic is a delightful blend of mystery and romance that makes for a perfect read during the witchy season. While it doesn't fit all the classic definitions of a cozy mystery, it certainly carries that cozy, whimsical vibe that fans of the genre will enjoy.

The story follows Scarlett, who, after leaving her hometown of Oak Haven a decade ago for a new life in San Francisco, returns only to find that magic in the town has gone completely haywire. Books are coming to life, random portals are opening up everywhere, and there's a bizarre culinary twist where entire menus taste like Spam—it's ridiculous, but in the best possible way.

Scarlett teams up with her two sisters and her long-lost maybe-boyfriend, reuniting after 10 years apart, to solve the mystery of why the town’s magic has gone off the rails. Their dynamic adds a charming layer of tension and humor to the story as they work together to restore balance to Oak Haven.

The book is cute, enchanting, and filled with just the right amount of magical chaos. It's a quick, enjoyable read that’s perfect for readers looking for something lighthearted and fun. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Emily Grimoire!

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Avon, for an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #ImpracticalMagic

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REVIEW: The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Poor Zo Gray—after the tragic death of her mother and the strain of juggling three jobs to support them both, she suddenly finds herself the recipient of a bizarre inheritance in a quaint, magical town called Divinity. Sounds like a stroke of luck, right? But with the inheritance comes a long list of challenging contingencies. The real question is, can Zo survive them all?

Where do I begin with this review? The story—LOVED IT! The blend of gothic mystery, paranormal intrigue, and witches (LOVE!) kept me absolutely hooked. The plot had my heart racing, and I especially appreciated that the romance aspect was kept to a minimum—refreshingly light on romance and the occasional hint of passion, without overwhelming the main storyline.

The author’s use of poetic, almost flowery language added to the atmosphere of the story, but I did find myself relying on my Kindle dictionary more than usual. The complex vocabulary, while beautiful, could be a bit challenging at times, though it fit the gothic tone well. Honestly, I can’t imagine reading this without the handy lookup function that comes with ebooks!

One thing that threw me off initially was the use of past tense, which is something the author did in the Fever series as well (at least in the first book). It took some getting used to, but once I adjusted, I was completely immersed in the world-building and the unique writing style.

Overall, this is a captivating start to a trilogy that I’m so excited to continue. It cannot end on that cliffhanger! Fans of gothic mystery and paranormal fiction will want to dive into this one, and I’m eager to see where the next book takes Zo and her wild journey.

I want to thank NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me ARC access to this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
#TheHouseatWatchHill #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Dishonest Miss Take by Faye Murphy

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Faye Murphy's debut novel, The Dishonest Miss Take, offers a thrilling and imaginative journey through a steampunk-infused Victorian England. The story centers on the snarky and sassy Miss Clara Blakely, known to the tabloids as Miss Take. Being the daughter of London's most infamous criminals, Clara is determined to clear her tarnished name, and thus volunteers for the Hero Brigade, a decision that thrusts her into a world of fantastical elements and high-stakes adventure.

In this richly crafted universe, pollution and smog have endowed many of London’s "heroes" with extraordinary abilities, and Clara is no exception. However, when a new and sinister force emerges to terrorize the city, Clara must draw on her powers while befriending a band of intriguing assassins to confront the looming threat.

Murphy’s novel is a splendid blend of steampunk, fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery, with a smidge of romance, creating an engaging and immersive experience. The narrative is lively and filled with inventive details, making it a captivating read from start to finish. Clara’s journey is both thrilling—showcasing her resilience and bravery in the face of danger—as well as heartfelt, as she comes to learn quite a bit about herself along the way. If you’re a fan of imaginative, historical worlds and gripping adventures, The Dishonest Miss Take is a must-read.

A special thank you to NetGalley and BHC Press for providing an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

#TheDishonestMissTake #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Persephone Code by Julia Golding

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

In the midst of the early 19th century, a captivating tale unfolds, drawing readers into a world of mystery and intrigue. The courageous and unconventional Dora takes center stage, embarking on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns to uncover the dangerous truth behind her brother's unexpected death. As she and the enigmatic Dr. Jacob Sandys begin to unearth details surrounding both her brother's and a series of other perplexing deaths in the small parish of West Wycombe, a perilous adventure unravels, shrouded in secrecy and danger.

The Persephone Code was an absolute page-turner! The character development and historical context made it a truly enriching experience. The slow start set the tone perfectly for the time period, and once the action picked up, it was impossible to put down. A fantastic read that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a compelling historical novel with elements of secret societies and a dash of romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. While I received it free of charge, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#ThePersephoneCode #NetGalley

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REVIEW: A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

A Dark and Drowning Tide was an entertaining read that held my interest with it's sense of mystery, combined with fantasy, folklore, and dark academia.

Lorelei is a sharp-tongued folklorist leading a mission to find a magical river for the current monarch. But when the mission goes awry and dead bodies start turning up, she turns to her arch nemesis for help, only to discover there's so much to unravel, including her feelings.

Honestly, I had a hard time warming up to Lorelei for about half the book. She's extremely acerbic and quite scathing in her conversations with others most of the time. As the story goes on however, you begin to understand why she is the way she is, and feel for her a little bit. I was happy to finally see her snide outer shell cracked. In my own life however, I would probably just end up writing someone like that off... but I suppose if she were your boss, you wouldn't have a choice, right?

I loved Sylvia and her wild, impetuous demeanor. But beneath her carefree attitude are multiple layers overlying a heart of gold. She was definitely one my favorite characters—her and Ludwig. He was so open yet outrageous—the perfect best friend. I wish we got more of him.

Overall the story, the mystery, and the world building kept me engaged and intrigued. So what that I didn't like the MC so much... Sylvia and Ludwig more than made up for it. :)

This book releases September 17, 2024, but you can preorder it at Amazon now.

Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy of this book. The contents of this review are entirely my own.

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REVIEW: Three Kinds of Lucky (The Shadow Age #1) by Kim Harrison

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Petra Grady is a Sweeper first-class. While she doesn't have magic of her own, she has the uncanny ability to see and handle dross—the disruptive, magical waste generated by the Mages' spell work. Sweepers have always been treated as second-class citizens by the Mages—janitors put on this earth to clean up their mess. But fortunately, Petra's got a few other hidden tricks up her sleeve. Until her life is turned on its head by the sexy, exasperating Benedict Strom with his research project to render the Mages' dross inactive and innocuous, which just might make the Sweepers obsolete.

I've been a fan of Kim Harrison's books since the Hollows (Rachel Morgan) series, so I jumped on this book, hoping that some fresh blood and a new series would reignite my passion. I found there was a lot to like, along with a couple things I didn't.

Like The Hollows series, I thoroughly enjoy the complex, original magical worlds that Kim Harrison creates, even though I found this magic system a little harder to grasp. I kept mixing up the differences between the types of dross, which attracts the shadow, and how shadow comes to be in the first place. So yeah, if you're looking for complex, this is it! It wasn't as playful and fun as The Hollows—but then again, Pluck is no Jenks. But enough for comparisons... this is an entirely new series and from here on out, I plan to review it that way.

Before I go on about all the fantastic elements of this story, let me get out of the way a couple things that didn't jive with me: First was the fact that the lab was planning to test on live animals... and second, killing off Petra's dog!! Seriously??!! 😱 Sure, he came back as Shadow, but there's a reason I don't read books like Old Yeller.

Throughout the book, I really jived with the analogy of the Mages and their discarded dross to the gravely polluted world we live in today. Oblivious people leaving behind their junk while expecting others to clean up after them. It's that same sense of superiority and entitlement where it's always someone else's problem, not theirs.

As the main character, Petra is smart and resourceful, a kickass, take-charge kind of gal. The magical world she lives in, kept hidden from the mundanes, is complex yet intriguing. Her counterpart, Benedict, sounds yummy, and while the relationship between the two was initially fraught with tension, I'm anxious to see how it plays out given that her feelings towards him see-saw quite a bit throughout the tale.

That said, I did find the writing to be a bit sloppy with some inconsistencies and contradictory info, but that's probably just because I was reading an uncorrected ARC, so I'm assuming all those will be ironed out in the final draft.

Overall, a wonderful new world from the mind of Kim Harrison, and another kickass heroine to love. Looking forward to more!

This book releases March 5, 2024, but you can preorder it at Amazon, or enter for a chance to win one of 50 Kindle copies at Goodreads (giveaway ends 3/3/24).

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advance readers copy of this book for review. While I received it free of charge, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#ThreeKindsofLucky #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

The Butcher of the Forest is a beautifully written dark fairy tale novella with a vivid and immersive world oozing with atmosphere. Part fairy tale, part horror, and a whole lot of fun, this was a quick and engaging read with a hauntingly seductive world to dive into.

Veris lives in a village on the edge of the North Forest, a place between worlds. Anyone who refuses to heed the warnings and venture in anyway, never returns. Veris Thorn is the only person to have ever ventured in and returned to the village alive, so when the Tyrant's children go missing, Veris is made to entire that horrible place once again to retrieve the his children. Will her second encounter with the faery beings of the forest's realm be as "successful" as the first, or will it end in utter ruin?

The Butcher in the Forest is due to be published February 27, 2024, but you can preorder it from Amazon now.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing me with a digital advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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REVIEW: Everything is Temporary by Jon Cohn

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Crossing the line between fantasy and reality, Tim and his wife Sarah face down a sadistic Santa, encounter a talking Christmas tree, and fight vicious candy canes, all in the name of Christmas.

This was a wonderfully creepy read and everything I was hoping it'd be for the holiday season. A nightmarish romp through Christmasland and an unlikely ending wrapped in a tantalizing, well-written tale that kept me intrigued to the very end.

Thanks to NetGalley and Deadbolt Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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REVIEW: An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

An Education in Malice is a modern, sapphic retelling of Carmilla, the 1872 Gothic vampire novella by Sheridan Le Fanu that predates Bram Stoker's Dracula by 25 years. It is a full-length novel (352 pages) that takes place at a university in Western Massachusetts. Being a Massachusetts native for the first 40 years of my life, before moving to California to escape the horrid winters, I appreciated the setting. :)

Being brought into a present-day setting and context worked very well for this novel. The relationship between Laura and Carmilla was intense and fraught with tension which made for a great story. And like the previous book, the writing was very descriptive, creating the perfect atmosphere that pulled you right into the narrative. I loved the emotional growth of Laura's character, while simultaneously breaking down Carmilla's walls and seeing her softer, more vulnerable side.

Unfortunately, I never read the original book, but OMG that cliffhanger at the end!! Did Laura drink the "Kool-aid" or what? ;)

This book releases February 13, 2024, but you can preorder it at Amazon, or enter for a chance to win one of 100 Kindle copies at Goodreads (giveaway ends 12/29/23).

Thanks to NetGalley and Redhook/Orbit Books for providing me with a digital advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

#AnEducationinMalice #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Knight

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

A magical story reminiscent of Harry Potter.

Ivy Lovely is a scaldrony maid living a dull and tedious existence among the slurry fields of Castle Plum. Hidden away as a baby in the most unmagical of places, Ivy believes herself to be an orphan, knowing nothing of her former life. Until the day a large, flying creature unexpectedly shows up to transport her from her life of drudgery to an incredible magical school, and she discovers not only her magical bloodline, but a whole fantasy world she had only dreamed of. Except now that she's no longer hidden behind all that magic-dampening slurry, the spells that had previously kept her hidden have begun to unravel. Will Ivy be able to crush the curse before it crushes her and all she holds dear?

This was an enchanting read, reminiscent of Harry Potter with its magical school, and quite suitable for both young readers and adults alike. However, that's where the story similarities end. The Crowns of Croswald contains it's own unique story quite distinct from Harry or similar books. Ivy is a kickass MC—spunky, inquisitive, and full of adventure. Her escapades captivated me and took me places beyond my imagination. The world building was phenomenal with a richly drawn world and fun, lovable characters. So well written, it's hard to believe this was D.E. Knight's first book. I'm very much looking forward to reading the remaining books in this 4 part series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Stories Untold Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

#TheCrownsOfCroswald #NetGalley @author.denight

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REVIEW: A Place for Vanishing by Ann Fraistat

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

An eerie and atmospheric gothic horror, complete with haunted house, séances, and ghosts! What more could a girl ask for?

After her bipolar diagnosis and suicide attempt (potential trigger warning), Libby and her family move into her mother's ancestral home attempting a fresh start. At first glance, the house appears to be hella creepy—decades of decay, an overabundance of creepy crawlies, and freaky stained glass windows depicting various insects and other unsettling scenes. Soon enough, Libby uncovers disturbing news about the house's sinister past including masked séances and strange disappearances, and begins to suspect the the answer to unlocking the truth lies in the strange insect masks attached to several of the windows.

"We all wear masks—to hide our imperfections, to make us stronger and braver. But if Libby keeps hers on for too long, she might just lose herself—and everyone she loves."

As you read, you come to realize just how multi-layered the above quote really is. Like the metaphorical masks worn by people like Libby to hide what's they're feeling inside, but also referring to the disturbing insect masks which not only house a spirit of their own, but also endow the wearer with supernatural abilities attributed to that particular insect.

This book was amazing! Hard to put down and kept me on the edge of my seat. I fell in love with the characters—they were so real and yet so broken. Libby's bipolar disorder was treated with respect and compassion, and it really added a whole other dimension to the story, as opposed to just being there for the sake of diversity. The character and world building was phenomenal as well, the tension slowly simmering throughout until everything really came to a boil at the final séance. I'm very much looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

A Place for Vanishing will be published on January 14, 2024, but you can preorder it at Amazon now.

Many thanks to Random House/Delacorte Press for providing me with a digital advance reader copy for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

#APlaceforVanishing #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Eleventh Hour by Aminah Fox

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Harry Potter meets the Sopranos! Hampshire, a magical borough in upstate New York, home to several noble families, and invisible to mundanes, aka non-magical people. A long-brewing war between the families has reached its pinnacle and courted death and destruction in it's wake. In a last ditch attempt to save her father and restore order, Hermione Mandrake and her half-brother Christian take up their grandfather's time trinket, with a plan to steal away into the past in order to redirect the future. But with enemies still on their tail, can they truly turn back the hands of time?

When I first began reading, I had difficulty staying engaged. The characters, even the MC, felt a bit flat and one dimensional. And I had a hard time keeping all the different families straight, not to mention all the children (and bastards) Alfred Mandrake fathered. Fortunately, the latter was rectified by a family tree of sorts at the back of the book, and I eventually came to realize that it wasn't as important to remember ALL the families, just a few key ones, which began to stick with me after a little while. By about the 30% mark, I was sold and began to enjoy the ride. The story itself was unique and magical, and if you like the thought of magical mafia-like families, waging war with wands and on dragon-back, then you should really enjoy this.

I did feel a few inconsistencies with the MC Hermione however. For example, supposedly she was no good at charms, yet she bested several magicians trying to abduct her, often taking on 2 or 3 at a time, after just a week or so of training. I also never really warmed up to her that much. It was hard to grasp what she was really all about. The only real feel I got from her was her devotion to her father and her family, but she felt a bit shallow beyond that. Fortunately, once they traveled into the past and the action picked up, I forgot about some of those things and became invested in how everything played out.

Thank you to NetGalley and 22nd Light LLC for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

#TheEleventhHour #NetGalley

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