Tome Tender

All things books! When it comes to books, who needs shelf control!!!

[tometender]

A Sweet, Heartfelt Adventure That Glows

Sea of Charms is one of those stories that wraps around you like a gentle tide. Sarah Beth Durst delivers a tale that feels tender and uplifting, full of quiet magic and emotional warmth. The characters move with sincerity, their connections unfolding in ways that feel both comforting and deeply human.

What I loved most is how the book balances whimsy with genuine heart. Every chapter carries a soft shimmer of hope, and by the end, I felt like I’d been given a small treasure; something bright, kind, and unexpectedly moving.

A sweet, heartfelt read that leaves you smiling long after the final page.

Thank you to Edelweiss and @MacmillianPublishers and Bramble for this ARC copy. This is my honest review.

[tometender]

Darkly Enchanting

The Whispering Fang by Lili K. Buckley is an absolute standout; rich and irresistibly gripping. This is the kind of fantasy that wraps around you; there are ancient secrets, and a heroine, Waenia Wyvarian, whose courage feels both fierce and deeply human.

Buckley’s worldbuilding is lush without ever dragging, and the tension she builds between danger, destiny, and the quiet pull of forbidden magic keeps the story humming with energy. The Whispering Fang itself is a brilliant creation; unsettling, mysterious, holding sway over life and death and woven into the plot with a deftness that makes every reveal land with satisfying weight.

The characters shine just as brightly. Waenia and Luvian's conflicting relationship feels layered, with both negative and positive emotional beats that hit with impact. I found myself savoring the quieter moments just as much as the high‑stakes ones.

It’s beautifully written and full of that spark that makes you want to stay up way too late reading. A fantastic five‑star read that leaves you hungry for whatever Buckley conjures next.

Thank you to Lili K. Buckley for this gorgeous paperback review copy! This is my review.

[tometender]

Threads of Magic

The Bone Dagger has a wonderfully atmospheric world, and Clara Rhodes brings a strong sense of mystery and lore to every chapter. There’s a richness to the setting that pulls you in, and several plot moments land with real impact. When the story leans into its magic, its danger, and its emotional stakes, it shines.

Where it lost me a bit was the constant shifting between past and present. While the structure is ambitious, the frequent jumps made it harder to stay grounded in the characters. Instead of deepening the emotional threads, the back‑and‑forth kept interrupting them, and I never fully connected to the relationships the way I wanted to.

Still, there’s a lot to appreciate here. The pacing is strong, the worldbuilding is vivid, and the core mystery has enough intrigue to keep you turning pages. Readers who enjoy layered timelines and atmospheric fantasy will find plenty to like, even if the character connections don’t always land as clearly as they could.

Thank you to Edelweiss and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC copy. This is my honest review.

[tometender]

A Stunning Blend of Emotion, Mystery, and Cultural Depth

Dominion is a breathtaking blend of suspense, emotion, and cultural depth that grips you from the opening pages and never lets go. Jean Kwok writes with a clarity and compassion that make every moment feel intimate, every choice feel heavy, and every revelation land with real force. This story is not just read, it is experienced.

The characters are layered and unforgettable, each carrying their own history, pain, and hope. Their journeys intersect in ways that feel both inevitable and surprising, and the emotional stakes rise with a steady, powerful rhythm. Kwok’s ability to weave family, identity, and resilience into a narrative filled with tension and mystery is nothing short of masterful.

The pacing is exceptional. Every chapter pulls you forward, yet the quieter moments are the ones that linger. The world feels vivid and lived in, and the cultural details enrich the story without ever slowing it down. By the time the final chapters unfold, the emotional payoff is immense.

A beautifully written, deeply human novel that balances heart and suspense with remarkable skill.

I received this ARC copy of Dominion from @Netgalley | Edelweiss | Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons. This is my honest review.

[tometender]

Unpredictable Magic Shines with Heart and Wonder

Unpredictable Magic by Faith Hunter is a vibrant and enchanting adventure that sweeps you into a world where power, loyalty, and destiny intertwine with effortless charm. The story moves with a lively rhythm that keeps you engaged from the first spark to the final flourish. Hunter’s characters feel warm and alive, each one adding depth and color to the journey. The magic system is imaginative and inviting, creating a sense of discovery that carries through every chapter.

The pacing has a bright momentum that makes the book easy to enjoy, and the emotional threads woven through the story give it a satisfying richness. It is a delightful read filled with charm, energy, and a sense of wonder that lingers after the last page.

A strong experience that leaves you smiling and ready for more of Hunter’s magical world.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for this ARC copy of Unpredictable Magic.

[tometender]

A heroine worth fighting for in a world you don't want walk away from...

Web of Vows and Vengeance is the kind of fantasy romance that grabs you by the heart from page one and refuses to let go. Aria Ashbrook delivers a heroine you can genuinely root for—fierce, determined, and achingly human in all the ways that matter. She’s the beating heart of the story, and every choice she makes pulls you deeper into the tangled web of danger, devotion, and destiny surrounding her.

What impressed me most is how seamlessly the book blends emotional stakes with sharp, addictive plotting. The world feels lush and lived‑in, full of secrets that unfold at just the right pace. The relationships, both romantic and otherwise, are layered, tense, and beautifully drawn, giving the story a richness that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.

Ashbrook’s writing has that perfect mix of atmosphere and momentum. Every chapter feels intentional, every twist lands, and the heroine’s journey is one you can’t help but cheer for. By the end, I was fully invested, already itching for whatever comes next in this world.

A captivating, heartfelt, and utterly satisfying read, and it left me begging for the next book!!! @HellhoundPressLimited @AriaAshbrook

[tometender]

Humor, Heart, and Pure KA Magic

A Lick and a Promise is another unforgettable gem from Kristen Ashley, delivering everything I love about her storytelling. From the very first chapter, Ashley brings her trademark blend of sharp humor and emotional depth, creating a story that makes you laugh out loud one moment and tug at your heart the next. She has a way of writing characters who feel real, flawed, lovable, and impossible not to root for.

What makes this book shine is how effortlessly Ashley balances warmth and wit. The relationships are rich, the dialogue sparkles, and the emotional beats land with that signature KA impact. There’s a comfort to her writing; a sense of being wrapped in a world where love is fierce, loyalty matters, he bonds of friendship grow deep and humor is woven into even the toughest moments.

This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish, not just because of the romance, but because of the heart behind every scene. Kristen Ashley always finds a way to make you feel deeply while keeping you smiling, and crying. A Lick and a Promise is a perfect example of why her books are such a joy to read.

A beautiful, funny, heartfelt read that reminds me exactly why I keep coming back to her work.

[tometender]

A Fierce, Unforgettable Descent Into Fire and Fate

Ashwalker is one of those rare fantasies that grabs you by the heart in the opening chapters and refuses to let go. S. M. Gaither builds a world forged in fire, prophecy, and impossible choices, and every page feels charged with tension. The atmosphere is thick, the magic is dangerous, and the characters burn with the kind of intensity that makes you feel every moment right alongside them.

What truly sets this book apart is how deeply it lingers. Long after I finished, I kept thinking about the brutal beauty of the world, the secrets simmering beneath the surface, and the characters who refuse to break even when everything around them is falling apart. It’s one of those stories that stays with you, echoing in the back of your mind long after you’ve closed the book.

Gaither’s writing is sharp and immersive, balancing action with emotional depth in a way that feels effortless. The pacing is relentless in the best way, the twists land with impact, and the stakes keep rising until the very last page. Every reveal feels earned, every character beat hits exactly where it should.

If you love dark fantasy with powerful characters, high stakes, and a world that feels alive with danger and destiny, Ashwalker is an absolute must‑read. Bold, gripping, and unforgettable.

[tometender]

A Dark, Dystopian Masterpiece That Refuses to Let You Go

Daggermouth by H. M. Wolfe is one of those rare dark dystopian fantasies that doesn’t just entertain you; IT HAUNTS YOU. From the first chapter, Wolfe drags you into a world carved from shadow and survival, and the grip never loosens. The atmosphere is bleak in the most beautiful way, the kind that makes you lean in instead of look away.

What sets this book apart is how deeply it lingers. Long after I finished, I kept thinking about the characters, the choices they were forced to make, and the razor‑sharp world they’re trying to endure. It’s the kind of story that is unsettling, unforgettable, and impossible to shake.

Wolfe’s writing is immersive and unflinching, balancing brutality with emotional depth. Every twist feels earned, every moment of quiet hits harder because of the darkness surrounding it. The pacing is tight, the stakes are relentless, and the worldbuilding is so vivid it feels almost too real.

If you love dystopian fantasy that embraces the shadows and leaves a scar long after the final page, Daggermouth is an absolute must‑read. Powerful, chilling, and brilliantly crafted. Not my everyday choice, but I'm left feeling completely blown away.

Thank you to Edelweiss, Simon & Schuster, and Scarlett Press for this copy. This is my review.

[tometender]

4.5 Stars — A Welcome Return to the Firebird World

Botanical Mischief was an absolute delight. Being back in the Firebird world felt like slipping into a favorite jacket, familiar in all the right ways yet full of new surprises. T. A. White has a gift for building worlds that feel alive, and this novella is no exception. The characters, the magic, the sharp humor — it all clicked into place and reminded me why I never hesitate to pick up anything she writes.

Was it perfect? Not entirely. But it didn’t need to be. The story had me fully engaged from start to finish, eager to see how the threads would twist and where the mischief would lead. It’s the kind of read that leaves you smiling at the end and already hungry for the next chapter in this universe.

If T.A. White writes it, I will read it. And after this one, I truly can’t wait to see where she takes the Firebird world next.

[tometender]

A Bold and Electric Story That Never Loses Its Spark

White Lights by Lauren Kate delivers a story that feels alive with energy and desire. The characters move through the pages with confidence and heat, creating a dynamic that keeps the tension high and the atmosphere charged. Kate builds a world where attraction and ambition collide in ways that feel exciting and immersive.

The pacing has a strong pulse, and the emotional intensity between the characters gives the story a vibrant edge. Their chemistry adds a compelling layer, making the journey feel powerful and addictive. The setting glows with glamour and temptation, giving the entire book a vivid sense of motion.

A striking three and a half star read that blends emotion, allure, and momentum into a story that shines brightly from start to finish.

Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC copy.

[tometender]

A Thoughtful Tale of Conflict and Change

Lindsa Fren’s Seasons of War delivers an imaginative world and a sweeping emotional arc, offering a story that clearly comes from a place of passion and care. There’s a richness to the setting and a sincerity in the character motivations that make the book easy to sink into, especially in its strongest moments of tension and transformation.

I did find that the story stretched a bit long in places, with some repetition and extended angst that didn’t always deepen my emotional connection to the characters. Rather than pulling me closer, those moments sometimes created distance. Still, the heart of the narrative shines through, and the author’s voice has a compelling quality that kept me turning the pages.

For readers who enjoy slow-burn fantasy with layered internal conflict and a world that unfolds gradually, Seasons of War offers a thoughtful and atmospheric experience. It’s a story with real potential, and I’m curious to see how the series grows from here.

Thank you to Netgalley and Lindsay French for this ARC copy to review. 3.5 Stars

[tometender]

A Blade‑Sharp Beginning to an Epic New Saga

Taylor J. LaRue launches The Steelborn Saga with a first installment that hits with the force of a hammer on an anvil. Steelborn is bold, cinematic, and emotionally charged, the kind of fantasy that sweeps you up from the first chapter and refuses to let go.

LaRue builds a world that feels alive with danger and destiny, where every clash of metal carries weight, and every character choice reshapes the path ahead. The pacing is tight, the stakes rise with satisfying precision, and the emotional beats land with the confidence of an author who knows exactly what story they’re telling.

The characters are the true heart of this book. They’re layered, flawed, and compelling, each one carrying secrets and scars that make their victories feel earned. Watching them grow, break, and rise again is the kind of reading experience that lingers long after the final page.

Steelborn delivers everything I want in a series opener: immersive worldbuilding, gripping action, and characters I’m already deeply invested in. If you love a book that could stand alone but leaves you wanting more, Steelborn delivers! It’s a powerful start to what promises to be an unforgettable saga, and I’m already eager for book two.

Thank you to #Edelweiss and #HachetteBooks | Hachette Book Group for the ARC copy to review.

[tometender]

Original, Bold, but Not Quite My Match

Song of the Dead had a concept that genuinely impressed me. The originality is undeniable, and there’s a boldness to the worldbuilding that I really appreciated. Sanderson took risks, and creatively, they paid off in ways that felt fresh and inventive.

That said, the book ultimately just wasn’t my thing. Even with such a strong premise, I never fully connected with the story or the characters the way I hoped I would. It wasn’t a bad read by any means, just one that didn’t quite resonate with me personally.

Still, for readers who love unique ideas and ambitious storytelling, there’s a lot here to admire. It simply didn’t land as a favorite for me, but I can absolutely see why others might love it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Saga Press | S&S/Saga Press for this ARC copy.

[tometender]

Divine Chaos and Mortal Fire

Debbie Cassidy’s Damned and Broken Gods is a thrilling dive into myth and mortality, where divine power meets human grit. The story brims with energy: fast-paced battles, sharp banter, and a heroine who refuses to bow to fate. Cassidy’s worldbuilding shines, weaving ancient lore into a modern, emotionally charged narrative that keeps you turning pages.

Some scenes could breathe a bit more, as the momentum occasionally outpaces the depth of character reflection. Still, the novel’s mix of heart, danger, and divine drama makes it a standout in the genre. A solid four-star read that leaves you eager for the next descent into Cassidy’s pantheon.

Thank you to Edelweiss, Simon and Schuster and Page and Vine for this ARC copy of DAMNED AND BROKEN GODS.

[tometender]

A Magnificent, Full‑Circle Finale

Archangel’s Eternity is the kind of series ender that feels like a gift to longtime readers. Nalini Singh brings this sprawling, beloved world to its close with a confidence and emotional richness that honors every character, every battle, every heartbreak, and every triumph we’ve followed over the years. It is a perfect wrap-up to a journey that has spanned lifetimes on the page and years in our hearts.

What makes this finale shine is how masterfully Singh ties together the threads she has been weaving since the very beginning. Nothing is rushed, nothing is forgotten. Instead, she gathers every loose end and every lingering question and resolves them with the same grace and intensity that made this series unforgettable. The result is deeply satisfying, almost cathartic, as if the entire world exhales with you.

The emotional beats land with power. The relationships feel earned and beautifully matured. The stakes are high, the pacing is sharp, and the sense of history, of everything these characters have survived and built, gives the story a resonance that lingers long after the final page.

It is rare for a long‑running series to end this well. Archangel’s Eternity doesn’t just conclude a saga. It celebrates it. And for readers who have adventured through every danger and every wonder alongside these characters, it feels like the perfect farewell.

Thank you to Netgalley. @berkleypub and @penguinrandomhouse and for this ARC copy of Archangel's Eternity.

[tometender]

A Captivating Roman‑esque Murder Mystery

Verity Guild by Mai Cortland swept me in from the first chapter with its murder‑mystery tension wrapped in a richly imagined, Roman‑esque world. The blend of political intrigue, cultural detail, and slow‑building suspense made the story feel both fresh and immersive. I loved how the investigation unfolded, layer by layer, while the setting added weight and texture to every scene.

The only thing that held this back from a full five stars was the extremely abrupt ending. After such a gripping buildup, I wanted just a bit more space to land, breathe, and process; there really wasn't even a final reveal, but left off like there is more to come. Which, of course, there is...

Still, the journey was absolutely worth it. Captivating, atmospheric, and full of potential for more, Verity Guild is a standout read that lingers long after the last page.

Thank you to Edelweiss Plus and Entangled Publishing, LLC for this ARC copy.