"You could have let them live," I spat. "You could have let us walk out of there before you set that fire."
The Foamebringer looked to me, recognition crossing his features at last. I didn't give him a chance to speak, if he was even going to bother saying a word. I swung for his neck and he sidestepped, throwing a foot out to send me crashing to the snow again. I tried to get upright, but his boot slammed down on my chest, his eyes flashing red with some dark, roiling power that had my breath catching in my lungs.
"Your desperate need for vengeance makes you predictable," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "Your death is inevitable, Raincarver."
Behold, a few (ahem, nearly 30) books that are on my radar for this year! As ever, there is romance and romantasy and dark academia, but also some YA, some thrillers, some cozy reads, and *two* Dramione repackages, for good measure. So, you know – my usual fare.
Which books are you most looking forward to this year?
Well, Echo Fort, Book 2 of Sins of the Zodiac by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, came out yesterday. I nearly read it in one sitting, but at 787 pages, that wasn't quite possible. Still, less than 24 hours.
I'll do my best to give my spoiler free reactions first, and then post musings and predictions that require spoilers below the cut. Let's go.
First, the spice rating for this book is lower than the first, surprisingly. While there are several spicy scenes, there's no...ahem...completion. I'd say it's one big tease, but these authors play the long game so it's really just the slow part of slow burn. Still no clue which couples are endgame although at least one of them is giving "mates" to me.
There are several new POVs. Along with Vesper and Everest, our badass FMCs, there's more Bastian, we get Kaiser and Harlon POVs, and a new character, Septa. We even get POVs from Ransom Rake and Prince Dragor. Some of these are merely to give a small bit more insight into what is happening "offscreen", especially near the end, but they continue to open the world up and help to see all the intricate working parts. This book is political.
As for the plot: well, at the start of the book we get a world map and thank the stars for that because we are no longer stuck just at Never Keep. Everest continues her investigations into what the Reapers are up to, but Vesper is on a secret mission and ends up deep in enemy territory as a result. Meanwhile, we are introduced to characters in Avanis (Stonebreaker territory) and start learning more about the political situation there. But while we start with our characters in multiple places, in the last 150 or so pages, the plot threads start pulling together toward an epic conclusion. In true Twisted Sisters fashion, no one ends the story where they started.
It is very much a middle book. Lots of moving parts. Lots of plot threads set down. Some woven to a natural end but much more introduced than concluded. But very satisfying.
On an interesting story-crafting note, I was having a discussion with my son about high stakes in storytelling. I mentioned I like "enemies to lovers" as a trope because of the heightened stakes. He prefers the stakes to be emotionally driven rather than plot driven. I will note that the most masterful part of the storytelling here is that the emotional stakes were upped. I am invested in the characters. I care about them. And I was almost moved to tears by one character-driven moment that had nothing to do with romance. The emotional toll of the war, and the disillusionment the young warriors get as they encounter the real toll the war is having on the Waning Lands, is heavy.
But I'm veering close to spoiler territory with that so let me put up the page break and post the warning.
Here be spoilers past this point
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Okay, so the most moving relationship in this story is Vesper and Everest. They are both so prickly, so guarded, so proud, so driven. And their friendship is so unexpected. But it's the kind borne of respect. In a kinder world, they would be friends. But they are born to be enemies, so the best they can offer each other is the promise of a glorious death in battle. And yet...
I am convinced they are Nebular Allies. If you have read any World of Solaria books, you will know what I am talking about. The moment when Vesper tries to kill Kai to help Vesper break the soul-tie, that's real friendship there.
Okay, more observations. I'm thinking Vesper/Bastian is one of the endgame ships. First, because I'm convinced that all of the endgame ships will be cross-element. Second, because Bastian gave a comment that hints at Elysian Mates. But they are both so broken, and Vesper's betrayal is going to be hard to come back from. I really am dying to know how Vesper ever breaks from of Dragor.
Kaiser and Everest. As I expected, the Fearsire magic created a really interesting dynamic. It provided some good forced proximity, and it allowed for some really interesting insight into Kaiser as a character. He is utterly dispassionate. As in, completely unfeeling to the point where he has to be told how to act like a normal person because he only has logic to run on. The way Everest's Void powers affect him is such a character element. The attraction between them is real, but the soul-tie also created a power dynamic which would have been a real problem in the long run. It's good that Everest broke it.
And then there is the question of what happened in the end with Kaiser. I'm hoping, hoping, hoping he did not die. He was on the edge. But I hold out hope. Because he can feel again. Now that the power balance between he and Everest is righted, I would love to see that continue.
Because it's clear Everest and Harlon are not endgame. Not just because Kai is hotter. But because the wall between Ever and Harl is growing. The spicy scene between them that went nowhere is proof of that. It wasn't just Everest's fear of losing him as a friend. She wants something he can't give. And their loyalties are as disparate as between the enemy countries. Maybe more so.
More character bits: Ransom Rake got a "save the cat" moment? I mean I'm not totally surprised. The Twisted Sisters have redeemed bigger bullies in the past. And the second you meet Commander Rake, you realize that it's as bad as being the son of Lionel Acrux. So the fact that he shows that he's not totally corrupted yet is a big deal. He offered honorable death to a spy rather than see her tortured and violated. And he had genuine horror (as do most of the young warriors) at the bringing of war to civilians. He remains a braggart, of course. But it will be interesting to see his development. I also am curious now that it's clear that he prefers men, if that will be an issue that causes a further break with his father. Cascada seems bent on selective breeding, and would expect him to sire children if he proves to have prowess on the battlefield. Thus far, the Waning Lands don't look like they have the technology for doing that anyway but the old-fashioned way. Somehow, I don't see him excited about playing stud anymore than Everest was excited about being relegated to a brood mare.
Mavus Angelico: I love to hate this bastard. We all know he was bad news from the start. And I'm beginning to wonder if he has any interest in the war ending. Yes, he's aware of the players. He realizes it's an endless war for a reason. But does he benefit from it ending? No. That leaves me very, very suspicious.
The Vampires: We have a name for one. He's pretty. That seems reason enough to believe we will, sooner or later, know more. But the fact that the Covens are willing to ally with Pyros is very interesting. What I want to know is, will the power of the vampire covens be broken if Everest can end the endless war.
Which brings me to the big magical elements.
Everest's Void power: It's confirmed. She is the Void. And by the end of the book, the immense power that she has is undeniable. The question is, which prophecy is the true one? And will Everest come to understand in time that victory will not be obtained by one element dominating?
The Ether: I'm loving where this plot point is going. For one, it makes clear why Vesper is just as essential as Everest is. She has a role to play in restoring the balance. It's calling to her. But also, there is an interplay between the Ether and the Void. And all of this is what will destroy the Waning Lands if they don't stop fighting each other and instead turn to where the real evil is.
What I loved:
Everest got everything she thought she wanted in this book. She proved her power on the battlefield. Her father wants her. Her brother acknowledges her. She has struck her mother's killer with a mortal wound. So why does she feel so empty? I suspect it may take much of the next book for her to realize that what she's been aiming at was vainglorious. But I have hope that her inner sense of justice will lead her to do the right thing in the end. Sometimes it takes getting what we think we want to realize that it's not actually what we need.
Vesper is so, so broken. I feel so badly for her. And I feel worse that she had a shot at something good, something real, and didn't take it. But I know why. She made that star deal. And she still only wants revenge and then oblivion. She needs to be put back together and made anew. They all do. Despite all of that, she still had a number of incredible moments. She remains sarcastic and bold even when she is in the depths of despair. And she also shows that she really does have the makings of hero. But she's so cynical, she hates herself for it.
We finally learned what Everest's order is!
Oh, I also loved that we saw Cayde's comeuppance. Not only does he have a much less sexy real name--Alestro?--but he has truly been hoist by his own petard. Not only has Vesper's curse left him a wreck, he can't consummate his marriage. Poor Septa. I don't know if we're supposed to be rooting for her or not, but I feel for her. But only a little. Or rather, I'm sorry her intended was so disappointing. I just hate that she's probably on a collision course with Vesper because I think they should team up against him. Can't wait to see where that thread leads.
That's all my thoughts for now. Only 8 more months until Cinder Vale.
i’m back from crashing my sister’s work trip to japan and coming to you with some book recs based on the pop culture-tinged dregs of my bookish brain.🤗
We’ve got dragons and cozy small towns, Korean folklore and Shakespeare retellings, and some serious Mr. Darcy meets “You are the bane of my existence, and the object of all my desires” action.
whether you’re a zodiac academy misser or looking for a new, high-stakes fantasy series to obsess over, i have very good news for you: never keep is out today.
the first book in a new series from the twisted sisters, never keep takes a whole bunch of elements from zodiac academy and turns them on their heads. though the magic system is the same, with fae having elemental powers that are based on their zodiac sign as well as a paranormal order they can shift into, this world is segregated and all the elements are at war.
the story follows two female characters – everest, the oddball daughter of a general, and vesper, a ruthless, pink-haired warrior who is under the thumb of a prince – who both attend never keep for magical training and team up after realizing things are not as they seem.
and this is very much a first book in a series. there’s a lot of time spent on getting to know this new kingdom, these new characters, and some new magic rules and orders, but that does not mean it’s slow. there’s tons of action, a lot of intrigue, some spice, and the sisters’ signature humor – as well as a third act that will have you yelling and gripping the edge of your seat. the cliffhanger *is* pretty huge, ngl. but it has me *so* excited for what’s to come in this series!
✨A truly enormous thank you to Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti, and their team for gifting me an advanced copy to read and review!!✨
For some reason, I recently decided that I needed to either reread Wheel of Time or Zodiac Academy. Instead of either of those massive commitments, I decided to read something in the same universe.
This was a bit of a rough start. But I really got in to it after a few chapters. And that ending?!? I should have expected nothing less from the twisted sisters.
Its really interesting to be on the other side of the world from Solaria. We heard bits about this other continent, but those couldnt prepare me for just how violent and war filled it is. And the corruption? I dont even really know anything about that yet, but I can tell it's going to run deeeeeeep.
I just finished reading Never Keep by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, the first book in the Sins of the Zodiac Series. I'm keeping this review suitable for all ages, but the book is definitely 18+. Also, this is not a spoiler free review. There will be spoilers mentioned for the book, as well as the other books set in the world of Solaria (Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac, Darkmore Penitentiary).
First the spoiler free section. I would rate this 4 to 4.5 stars out of 5. Spice is around 2 chili peppers. Explicit, but with plenty of feelings, not a whole lot of it, and pretty vanilla. (Not a complaint. Just where it sits on the scale.) Writing quality is a real cut above Zodiac Academy. And despite being set in the same world, the feel is definitely much more high fantasy. There's splashes of foreign languages (like real, fantasy languages, not the smattering of Italian and Spanish that show up in ZA). There's interesting devices for riding the wind and waves. Even the familiar elements (the Fae Order forms, the elemental and cardinal magics, etc.) feel much more like a proper fantasy novel. Again not a complaint. I love urban fantasy. But I grew up on 3 inch thick doorstoppers with 50 page glossaries. I'm loving this turn into less familiar waters.
Why didn't it rate 5 stars. Pacing. It's a slow start. Understandably so because there's a ton of world-building work being done. Unlike Zodiac Academy which uses the isekai format (girls from our world tossed into Solaria so we learn along with them, plus it's still very familiar in terms of vehicles, technology, society, etc.) all of these characters have been part of this world their whole lives. Their perspectives are limited though, by their experience so there's plenty to learn. But the basics of the Waning Lands take a lot of explaining.
Like, a lot of explaining. There's a four way war going on between four kingdoms. Each only uses one of the four elements. Anyone Awakened with more than that single element becomes part of the Reapers, the quasi-priesthood that oversees the zodiac-based religion, as well as magical training at Never Keep, the neutral zone where warriors from all four nations are awakened to and train their magic. Remembering the names of the kingdoms, their elements, the names of their warriors, and a ton of the world-building lore elements is a lot of work and it takes time to set up.
In addition, the mid-plot has some slow moments. There's a mystery being slowly uncovered, and we're following two FMCs, each with very different personalities and challenges, and it takes a lot of set up to get to the final 20%.
The final 20% is half of why it rates so highly. The pace picks up. The plot twists are twisting. And, in true form for the authors, it ends on a cliffhanger with lots of emotional damage.
The other half of the high rating is the characterization. There are, as I mentioned, two FMCs. They are very different. They are not necessarily likable, but I found myself wanting them to succeed. I hurt when they hurt. They are believably flawed. Their actions fit their motives and background. And they don't end in the same place where they started.
Now for the spoilers! Look below the fold if you want all the details, or go read all 20-something books in the Solaria-verse and come back later. (Although you can totally read this book without having read ZA, RBOTZ, and DP)
Okay, first of all, I am loving the new order forms. The Succubus was a really unique take on the lore, especially having the magic refill through feeding on any kind of desire, not just the most obvious. The Fury...talk about overpowered. That is dang frightening. Right up there with Phoenix. And what on earth is Everest? I mean, yes, she looks like a Snow Leopard, but I'm feeling like there's something more there.
Speaking of Everest, FMC number 1, I love her. I'm tempted to describe her as neurodivergent-coded. She has a very unique and individual fashion sense, and the sewing talent to create it. And she gets so excited by creating clothing. As a former costume designer, I love this so much. And she realizes she doesn't fit it, but rather than keep trying, she accepts her outcast status and just embraces who she is. Her quest for recognition and vengeance is understandable, but she is completely outclassed against Kaiser Brimtheon. The filial piety she shows in persisting in her vendetta despite that is impressive, if foolish.
Do I love Vesper, the Sky Witch, as much. Not really. Like Tory in Zodiac Academy, her "take no BS" bad girl attitude is occasionally annoying. But, again, it makes sense. She has a ton to prove and her chip on the shoulder is justified. And she is such a lost little girl under the tough shell. She is so utterly broken by the end of this book and I'm going to be very interested to see what she becomes in the wake of the betrayals and tragedies she endures. Also, I hate Prince Dragor. Girl should have known better, but she just wanted someone to love her.
Now, the magic. Is it the same magic as Zodiac Academy, etc.? Yes. And that's so cool because if you've read those then you realize some really key things right away about how shady the Reapers are. Principally, that Healing is a Cardinal Magic available to any Awakened Fae. Even single element Fae should be able to Heal the way they can do other Cardinal Magic (sound shields, illusions, etc.) The fact that only Reapers can heal is sooooooo shady. And when the Vampires from the coven in the attack on Never Keep use healing? OMG. When are these kids going to realize how badly they're being manipulated?
The Stardust. Don't get me started on the stardust. Okay, so you need dragons to make it. And the Reapers have been keeping a dragon captive, presumably to make stardust. Why are there no other dragons? Why is the stardust linked to portals? Is someone going to figure out the other ways to use it?
What are the Reapers doing? I mean they're clearly up to not just dark magic Ether stuff like what Vesper uses, but more likely something involving shadows. Whatever it is, it is creep AF. I am so worried for Harlon.
Finally, the romance. They said this would be true enemies to lovers and they are delivering. I am already convinced that Everest and Kai are one of the endgame couples, but there is work to be done here. Not just "they're on opposite sides of a war" word. Not just "how is she going to get over him killing her mom?" work. There's also "he's bound their souls together magically and removed her free will" work. But hey, forced proximity trope. And her Void powers make him feel something. There's material to work with here. But the key word is work . Kai is on the Anthracite Coal end of Morally Grey so I really want to see how it works out.
Who Vesper is going to end up with is a very different question. Not Dragor, of course. He's awful. Her crush made sense, but boy did she get woken up. The authors could do the coming back after betrayal trope with Cayde, but I'm thinking that's not likely. Not because they couldn't pull it off. But it doesn't feel like that. (Good examples of recovery from betrayal trope include From Blood and Ash series and Nightborn Duet from Crown of Nyaxia series. In both, it's clear the betrayer is conflicted between love and their prior mission, chooses the mission but regrets what it did to the unexpected complication that was the love. And then there is lots of work to regain trust.) I'm leaning toward the dragon introduced in the second to last chapter. Call it a hunch. But we'll see. Vesper needs healing and she's not going to fall in love easily next time. She has been burned badly thus far.
