botanic bookshelf

in a fantasy world

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Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

When Leena’s brother becomes sick, she goes to the Saint of Silence to barter for the rare medicine that can save him. Leena offers him her deepest confession, that she can see the dead. Saint Silas employs Leena to use her abilities to find the ghost of the last lord of Weavingshaw, where she finds herself in a dark estate with unearthly allure.

I absolutely loved this book. In short, the plot is amazing, the pacing is perfect, and the characters are so well written. I will be grabbing the next book immediately. Thank you so much to Del Rey for the advance reader copy!

[botanicbookshelf]

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Sisters Hakara and Rasha always longed to be reunited, but are still separated by their vast differences. Hakara leads a team of rebels after the traitor elder god Lithuas in an effort to sabotage Kluehnn’s plans. Rasha has vowed to serve the true god Kluehnn faithfully, but seeds of doubt begin to spread within her.

I really enjoyed each character’s POV. I love how we uncover more and more secrets through each one. I will say I don’t really feel the romantic connection between Hakara and Thassir, but it doesn’t take away from the story at all because the plot is so strong. The revelations in this book had me shocked, and I can’t wait for the next one. Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy!

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The River and the Star by Gabriela Romero Lacruz 🌘

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5 A great conclusion to The Warring Gods duology, The River and the Star did not disappoint. Ches, the god of the sun, and Rahmagut, the god of the void, are free of their imprisonment. They inhabit two women and are determined to put an end to their age old feud. Reina and Eva are pawns to two ancient beings, caught in a struggle for control.

While the world building in the first book was extensive, we get more insight into the origin of the old gods in the second book. Each character has a compelling story and I found myself rooting for them all. Overall, this was such a full and unique fantasy world. I will definitely be looking out for more books by the author, I absolutely loved her writing style. Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy!

[botanicbookshelf]

The Book of Blood and Roses by Annie Summerlee 🥀

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 Rebecca was initiated into an order of vampire hunters after her parents were murdered, with the promise of uncovering their killer. She’s sent to infiltrate a prestigious college in order to find the Book of Blood and Roses, which contains ways to kill vampires. She tries to blend in as a student among vampires, and unfortunately has to room with one.

This was a fun, easy read but it’s a pretty basic plot. The story got me out of a reading slump, but at the same time it didn’t really stick with me. Thank you to Del Rey for the advance reader copy.

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Born of an Iron Storm by Anthony Ryan 🌊

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 The Volkrath have infiltrated Skar Magnol and the sister queens have fallen. Ascarlia faces invaders without leadership, but not without hope. Resistance is forming all throughout the isles, led by unlikely heroes.

Each character comes into some sort of leadership role, whether intentionally or unwillingly. Thera reluctantly takes on her new title as queen, although she is one of the most deserving characters. Ruhlin frees himself of his chains and passes a trial, proving himself and easing his feelings of doubt. Felnir is on a path to become king, convincing himself he’s chosen. Even Elvine becomes a figurehead, with a magical spear at her side. Another great book, thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the advance reader copy!

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The Jasad Crown by Sara Hashem

Rating- ⭐️⭐️ 2/5 The final book in the Scorched Throne series, I was very excited to see how this story would conclude. Sylvia seeks to restore her kingdom and its people. A former fugitive, she has to win the Urabi’s trust while balancing her sanity which is quickly being lost to her magic. Arin has always been her rival, the heir to an enemy kingdom, but things begin to shift as he questions his long-held beliefs. War is imminent and Sylvia intends to win it despite the cost.

I hate to say it but this book didn’t captivate me like the first one did. This was a confusing read that left me with more questions than I originally had, and I didn’t get the sense that the story was concluded. That being said I’m happy to have finished the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the advance reader copy!

[botanicbookshelf]

Silvercloak by L.K. Steven ✨

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5 Saffron has waited a long time to get revenge on the Bloodmoons for the death of her parents. When she gets the chance to go undercover and infiltrate, she gets close to the kingpin’s son in an effort to gain valuable information. Saffron’s hatred is a motivating force, but it wanes as she gets to know Levan and sees their similarities. The story had a very promising beginning but fell flat for me during certain parts. I found the magic system to be a bit confusing as it had no real limits and the lines were blurred. Starting out I enjoyed Saffron as a protagonist but towards the end I felt there was some inconsistency to her character and I never quite knew what her interests were. Levan was a great character, and I was shocked at each revelation towards the end of the book. I really enjoyed the themes of right vs. wrong and seeing the difference in a ‘lawful good’ character like Auria compared to Saffron who becomes more morally grey throughout the book. The ending was great. I also appreciated the concepts of intertwining fates, prophecies and the altering of time. Thank you to Del Rey for the advance reader copy!

“Then came the axis tilt, the perspective shift, the great pitching of the world beneath her feet. A thunderclap of terrible understanding. Oh, she thought, horrified and fascinated in equal measure. This is how villains are born.”

[fayriequeene]

Wisteria 🌿

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Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 It’s been a while since I’ve been completely enthralled with a book. Arcana Academy has a unique tarot-based magic system and interesting world building. Clara is in prison for illegally inking magical cards, but is given an opportunity to get out of her death sentence by entering a fake engagement with Prince Kaelis. They return to the prince’s academy, where Clara can properly learn tarot magic and also search for her missing sister. As the two navigate trust and work together towards a common goal, they begin to grow closer and closer.

This was such a wonderful read! Clara is a compelling character, and although stubborn, she’s driven by her devotion to family. Kaelis’ motives add to the complexity of his character, and I do think he and Clara are well matched. The romance is an entertaining whirlwind. Overall, the atmosphere of the story made this a truly unforgettable read for me. Thank you to Del Rey for the advance reader copy!

[botanicbookshelf]

Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd

Rating- ⭐️⭐️ 2/5 Murder at Gulls Nest follows Nora as she leaves her convent to search for a missing friend. The story takes place in the 1950s, set in a small coastal town in Kent. Nora arrives at Gulls Nest, the hotel her friend was last seen at, and begins to investigate the disappearance by talking to the other residents of the hotel. When the residents begin dying under mysterious circumstances, Nora fears the worst.

I enjoyed the atmosphere of the story, however I struggled to get through this book. I felt like there was a lot of descriptive filler content and I had a hard time trying not to skip over paragraphs. The ending had a nice twist! Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the advance reader copy.

[botanicbookshelf]

The Lost House by Melissa Larsen

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Agnes returns to her family's home in Bifrost, Iceland to clear her grandfather's name of any involvement with the murder of his wife and daughter. Although no arrests were ever made, everyone suspected Einar who eventually fled to California with his son Magnus. Agnes doesn't believe her father would let her grow up around a murderer, but it seems she's the only one convinced of Einar's innocence. Agnes meets with a popular true crime podcaster to give her side of the story, but Nora is occupied with another case in Bifrost- the recent disappearance of a young girl who is presumed dead. Agnes wonders if the two cases could possibly be connected.

It's an entertaining read, and helped get me out of a reading slump. There are a lot of twists to keep you guessing. I really enjoyed Agnes' character, she's pretty relatable, and I liked how throughout the story we see her start to doubt her own judgement. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the advance reader copy.

[botanicbookshelf]

Grave Empire by Richard Swan

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5 The Sovan Empire is in an era of progress and innovation, but hostile nations in the south and a mysterious plague in the north threaten to undermine it. Two heretic monks who have lost contact with the afterlife bring the empress news of a devastating prophecy, The Great Silence, foretelling the end of the world. Arcane arts are banned in Sova, forcing them to look elsewhere for answers. Renata Rainer is the ambassador to the Stygion mer-men, a race that still practices magic and may have insight into the prophecy. Time is limited as she tries to understand a completely new world.

This was such a great book! There are multiple POVs and each one brings a spin to the story. The characters are flawed and compelling. Peter's POV on the paranormal mysteries happening in the north was the most interesting to me, followed by Renata's. Honestly I had some trouble keeping things straight in this book- mainly locations and the religious system. There are a lot of moving parts, but it is well worth the read. I will definitely be looking out for the next book. Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the advance reader copy!

[botanicbookshelf]

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 A Fate Forged in Fire had a great premise- a queen vying for the throne, dragons, fire magic, religious conflict and political marriage. It was a fun read, for sure. Sadly the main character, Aemyra, just didn’t resonate with me. I love a good ‘true queen’ plot and was bummed I didn’t find her character appealing. Aemyra came off as immature and naive which is at odds with her self-assured attitude. The book begins with her and her twin brother waiting around for the coup signal (they have been waiting for years), and although she makes repeated claims to be a great queen we don’t see any actions to back that up.

Overall it was an entertaining story with all the components I usually enjoy, I just felt the execution was poor. The romance is more of this book’s strong suit, and I would read the next book to see what happens between the love interests. Thank you to Random House Publishing for the advance reader copy!

[botanicbookshelf]

"Every night I dream of another reality, and usually it helps with the feelings of unfulfillment and loneliness. But tonight it is not enough."

[botanicbookshelf]

A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 A Monsoon Rising is the second book in The Hurricane Wars series, which focuses on Talasyn and Alaric's newly formed alliance as they try to prevent void magic from devouring the world. Their wedding was meant to bring security to the nations of Nenavar and Kesath, but it has only made matters more complicated. Talasyn plots with rebels to overthrow her husband's empire. Alaric knows his father intends to betray Talasyn. Despite these secrets, their combined magic (light and dark) is the only thing that can shield the land from the death magic. If they fail it will consume everything in its path.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series and the second book didn't disappoint. There's more background on the history of the world and the lore surrounding the dragons of Nenavar. Talasyn and Alaric's relationship is the highlight of the book. It's highly entertaining, despite the nonstop miscommunication issues. I'm glad we got to see more of the dynamic between Alaric and his father, which I think is one of the most interesting relationships in the story. I felt like the ending was a bit random, I would've liked some hints at the betrayal throughout the book. I'm super excited for the third book in the series, and have high hopes for it. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the advance reader copy!

[natureell]

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A Crown So Silver by Lyra Selene

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 A Crown So Silver is the second book in the series, following A Feather So Black. After Fia's sacrifice, she inherits powerful magic and is determined to stop her sister from waging war on their homeland. Her husband Irian suggests they find safe haven on a far away island, and Fia reluctantly agrees. The Silver Isle is ruled by a king who ensnares them in his Tournament of Kings, a competition in which the winner gets a treasure of their choice. Fia sees this as an opportunity to gain power against Eala, but Irian sees it as an opportunity to grant his wife safety. At odds with one another, Fia realizes she can only rely on herself to see things through.

Like the first book, the second was rife with Celtic folklore, mythic creatures and earth magic. Fia and Irian struggle with their differences and continuous arguments. Fia believes it to be her responsibility to set things right. She defeated death and gained an immense amount of magic, which she intends to put to use. "What is any of it good for, if not this?" Irian does not want to lose her again, but this causes him to become controlling and manipulative. He ends up pushing her away, and losing her in another sense. Overall, there was tons of character development. I had no idea where this story was going at any given time but it worked. Absolutely loved Linn. Thank you to Lyra Selene, NetGalley, and Orbit Books for the advance reader copy!