Over a year ago, I decided to write mini reviews of the books I read each month rather than write longer reviews. I thought it would be more manageable. Then I promptly did not write another book review mini or full for the rest of the year.
So, this is take two. I'm going to share mini reviews of books I've recently enjoyed. This time, I will not make the mistake of committing to posting every month, every two months, or any other time frame because I'd inevitably not keep to the schedule and then feel guilty for doing so.
Think of these mini review posts like dessert. You don't always get dessert, so you're pleasantly surprised when you do:) Now, onward to the reviews!
Summary (from Goodreads):
Ryber Fortiza was a Sightwitch Sister at a secluded convent, waiting to be called by her goddess into the depths of the mountain. There she would receive the gift of foretelling. But when that call never comes, Ryber finds herself the only Sister without the Sight.
Years pass and Ryber’s misfit pain becomes a dull ache, until one day, Sisters who already possess the Sight are summoned into the mountain, never to return. Soon enough, Ryber is the only Sister left. Now, it is up to her to save her Sisters, though she does not have the Sight—and though she does not know what might await her inside the mountain.
On her journey underground, she encounters a young captain named Kullen Ikray, who has no memory of who he is or how he got there. Together, the two journey ever deeper in search of answers, their road filled with horrors, and what they find at the end of that road will alter the fate of the Witchlands forever.
Set a year before Truthwitch, Sightwitch is a companion novella that also serves as a set up to Bloodwitch, as well as an expansion of the Witchlands world.
My Thoughts:
Sightwitch is book 2.5 in the Witchlands series, so be sure to read Truthwitch and Windwitch first. Dennard's world building still continues to amaze me. We get to learn more about the world, especially the Sightwitches and their religion. I loved that this book incorporated sketches and notes into the story, and Ryber's tale was intriguing.
Summary (from Goodreads):
Maya is cursed. With a horoscope that promises a marriage of death and destruction, she has earned only the scorn and fear of her father’s kingdom. Content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her whole world is torn apart when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. Soon Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar. Neither roles are what she expected: As Akaran’s queen, she finds her voice and power. As Amar’s wife, she finds something else entirely: Compassion. Protection. Desire…
But Akaran has its own secrets—thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Soon, Maya suspects her life is in danger. Yet who, besides her husband, can she trust? With the fate of the human and Otherworldly realms hanging in the balance, Maya must unravel an ancient mystery that spans reincarnated lives to save those she loves the most…including herself.
But Akaran has its own secrets—thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Soon, Maya suspects her life is in danger. Yet who, besides her husband, can she trust? With the fate of the human and Otherworldly realms hanging in the balance, Maya must unravel an ancient mystery that spans reincarnated lives to save those she loves the most…including herself.
My Thoughts:
The internet has been singing Roshani Chokshi's praises for years, and I finally can join them! This is a beautifully imagined retelling of Persephone and Hades' story. Each sentence is so well-crafted, and I savored each line. I didn't buy into the romance as much as I expected to, but watching Maya come into her own power was satisfying. I will definitely be reading more of Chokshi's work. I'm currently reading The Gilded Wolves and it is *chef's kiss* perfection!
Summary (from Goodreads):
New York City socialite and perpetual hot mess Portia Hobbs is tired of disappointing her family, friends, and—most importantly—herself. An apprenticeship with a struggling swordmaker in Scotland is a chance to use her expertise and discover what she’s capable of. Turns out she excels at aggravating her gruff silver fox boss…when she’s not having inappropriate fantasies about his sexy Scottish burr.
Tavish McKenzie doesn’t need a rich, spoiled American telling him how to run his armory…even if she is infuriatingly good at it. Tav tries to rebuff his apprentice, and his attraction to her, but when Portia accidentally discovers that he’s the secret son of a duke, rough-around-the-edges Tav becomes her newest makeover project.
Forging metal into weapons and armor is one thing, but when desire burns out of control and the media spotlight gets too hot to bear, can a commoner turned duke and his posh apprentice find lasting love?
Tavish McKenzie doesn’t need a rich, spoiled American telling him how to run his armory…even if she is infuriatingly good at it. Tav tries to rebuff his apprentice, and his attraction to her, but when Portia accidentally discovers that he’s the secret son of a duke, rough-around-the-edges Tav becomes her newest makeover project.
Forging metal into weapons and armor is one thing, but when desire burns out of control and the media spotlight gets too hot to bear, can a commoner turned duke and his posh apprentice find lasting love?
My Thoughts:
A Duke By Default is the second book in Alyssa Cole's Reluctant Royals Adult Romance series. Both books are absolutely delightful. I've just leave this tweet showing my love for this book.
