#read may 2025

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Book Review: Princess of Blood (The Shards of Magic #2) by Sarah Hawley

Princess of Blood was deliciously dark and gritty, expertly burnished with political and romantic tension. It picks up right where book one ends, with Kenna, once a human servant and spy for Earth House, now an immortal fae thrust into power and endowed with the magic of Blood House.

With King Osiric now dead, she is immediately ensnared in the claim for the throne, finding herself trapped in an impossible position as the deciding House vote on who should rule. To make matters more complicated, treachery and deviousness are afoot in the fae courts, and with her limited knowledge of faerie history as well as her self-inflicted responsibility to offer refuge to fae, humans, and her two powerless best friends, Kenna has her plate full. Her work cut out for her. Who, among this den of vipers, can she trust to be an effective and merciful ruler? And who are the perfidious villains hiding in plain sight?

I enjoyed this sequel from start to finish! Not only did it expand upon the themes of rebellion and survival that were touched upon in book one, but it delved deeper into worldbuilding, creating a lush and vindictive magical atmosphere for readers to root themselves in. Kenna's a strong, resilient, relatable character who yearns for justice, for compassion, and I liked seeing her begin to come into her own power. Loved her evolving dynamics with Kallen and Drustan, too. And that cliffhanger at the end, whew! Let's just say I am chomping at the bit to find out what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for my review.

4/5 stars

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[a-skirmish-of-wit-and-lit]

Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6) by Ilona Andrews

Falling back into this urban fantasy after some time away always feels like a little treat. There is always some new supernatural crisis, cool creatures, delicious relationship tension, and ancient magic licking through all the pages. In this installment, readers find Kate and Curran racing across the Atlantic in pursuit of panacea, a cure for the Lyc-V sickness that's afflicting many of the children of the packs. As usual, there's lots of danger and devastation and death.

My issues with Kate and Curran's miscommunication aside, the location change made for a nice deviation from the supernatural hierarchy and politics in Atlanta. I liked the mix of Greek and biblical mythology as well as the noble lineage of the European packs. Hugh was a superb villain, too. Truly the perfect mix of violent, charming, and powerful.

All in all, a fun yet fraught battle-worn escape!

**3.5/5 stars

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[a-skirmish-of-wit-and-lit]

Book Review: As You Wish by Leesa Cross-Smith

As You Wish is a coming of age tale about three girls who are working in Seoul, South Korea as au pairs as they try to start a new chapter in their lives. One night, on a vacation getaway with their host families, the girls make a wish at a magical fountain on Jeju Island. Lydia, who has always been timid and insecure, wishes to embody Main Character energy. Jenny, still reeling from a breakup with her ex, wishes to never fall in love again. And Selene, who is half Korean and was adopted at birth, wishes to find her biological birth mother.

They all believe their wishes come true. However, it isn't long before they discover that what they wished for may not be what they truly want or need.

Overall, this was a thoughtful exploration of friendship, culture, and selfhood. The novel's largest strength was the way it immersed readers in South Korea. I liked feeling as if I were strolling with the characters through the different markets, celebrating with them over holidays, and eating all the traditional cuisine. I do think that some emotional epiphanies among the girls were rushed, that some interactions were left underdeveloped. I also had hoped for more from the wishing fountain. It was good as a catalyst for the girls to make life changes but its wish effect, so to speak, fell flat.

Despite that, this was a quick and enjoyable read. A true love letter to South Korea, finding yourself, and discovering kindred spirits in unlikely places.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Reparations Books for the ARC in exchange for my review.

**3/5 stars

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