Category: Fantasy

Review: A Coup Of Tea (Tea Princess Chronicles: Book 1 ) by Casey Blair

Rating: 4⭐️

I will admit that I’ve struggled with this book and rating because I’ve enjoyed so much of this story and characters. It’s got really interesting elements and the makings of a terrific fantasy tale of a young woman who is trying to find her way of service in a tumultuous magical world. 

And in many cases it does work.  The writing is descriptively detailed, rich in elements and emotional imagery. It’s magical in many respects. 

Author Blair sets out a terrific foundation of a kingdom of rulers that’s based around service, an intriguing idea. And it opens up as the fourth daughter of the ruling family is about to enter the ceremony to determine the course of her career and life’s path of service to her family and people of Istalam. 

Let’s just say the ceremony doesn’t go as planned. And Princess Miyara finds herself with another life journey in store for her. 

One that ends in a small tea shop in the city of Sayorsen which sits on the edge of a cataclysmic event that separates an entire realm of unstable magic. Here Miyara finds her way to her true self, and it’s a beautiful thoughtful and deeply caring journey. 

Miyara’s new life involves her working with people of various backgrounds, cultures and traditions, all new to someone of her previous status. As she grows stronger and adapts to her new life, finding new friends of all kinds, witches included, political and social changes start to happen.

Casey Blair’s story incorporates important such elements such as the need for societal change, highlighting the impact of racism, exploitation, environmental degradation, and the importance of service.  All that through Miyara, her development, her role in the community and with the family. And her dedication to becoming a Tea Master with the beautiful magical tea ceremony, dragons , and more. 

Is it perfect? No there a few odd phrases that don’t make sense here, especially when spoken by a Princess who for most of the story has trouble remembering that “court language “ isn’t common for the type of person she’s trying to portray now.  

Here’s a quick example. 

“I laugh, a little hysterically. “Thank you for not telling me I’m batty.”

In a strange mystical magical kingdom that sentence and use of batty, especially from a palace princess, feels so much very out of place. 

Strange bits of narrative weirdness that jar the reader out of the story. 

However, the whole plot and character is marvelous. And as someone who has read ahead, I can say that book 2 is even better. 

A definite winner. And another recommendation! A cozy fantasy adventure with a complete set!

Love these covers. 

Cover design by Hampton Lamoureux of TS95 Studios

Tea Princess Chronicles:

A Coup Of Tea #1

Tea Set and Match #2

Royal Tea Service #3

Short story sequel:

Saiyana’s Challenge: A Story of the Tea Princess Chronicles

Tales from a Magical Teashop: Stories of the Tea Princess Chronicles

Buy Link

 Book 1 of 3: Tea Princess Chronicles 

Description 

A complete, bestselling cozy fantasy series available to binge now!

“There will always be work for those who know how to listen.”

When the fourth princess of Istalam is due to dedicate herself to a path serving the crown, she makes a choice that shocks everyone, herself most of all: She leaves.

In hiding and exiled from power, Miyara finds her place running a tea shop in a struggling community that sits on the edge of a magical disaster zone. But there’s more brewing under the surface of this city—hidden magic, and hidden machinations—that threaten all the people who’ve helped her make her own way.

Miyara may not be a princess anymore, but with a teapot in hand she’ll risk her newfound freedom to discover a more meaningful kind of power.

A Coup of Tea is the first book of the Tea Princess Chronicles, a cozy fantasy series full of magic tea, found family, and lifting people up even when the odds seem impossible.

Review:  Little Bean: A Paranormal Comedy with Heart (Maya’s Blogs Book 5) by Lara MacKenzie

Rating: 5⭐️

Little Bean brings Maya’s Blog to a close, with tears, drama and, yes, more growth and more hopeful happiness  in the future for her and her growing family and friends. 

Maya’s undergone so many dramatic changes from the broken abused human who started a blog she wasn’t sure anyone would want to read to a paranormal being herself with readers in the millions from many realms (it’s listed at the top of every chapter).   She’s documented her journey, her fears and the challenges, every milestone and every step backwards. Her successes and her failures. 

And each one has been one that’s had resonated with me, deeply, with this remarkable character that the author has framed out in this great blog format. 

There’s side stories about women who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. And the organization that offers them and their children more than just food and shelter. 

It’s about recovery, healing, and the ability to accept help to move forward when needed. It’s emotional magic and it’s honestly so hard to put into words, what it means to read this series and reach the end. 

I’m not ready.  Truly I’m not.

So I’ll leave you with this small piece at the end. 

From Maya to her readers as she writes as she thinks about what comes next, just one tiny bit.  

“You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to want more than survival. 

You’re allowed to fall apart and rebuild yourself into something new. 

You’re allowed to be scared and brave at the same time.”

I can’t even get past the rest without going back and starting over. With tissues. 

Given the current state of our world, especially for women, this character and series hits hard. An emotional gut punch, book by book. 

Laughing, crying, recovery, loss, and renewed strength to move forward. 

It’s a series I never expected when I first started reading. New author and format. But it’s one that’s stuck with me and it’s been a great read and source of comfort. 

Now I’m passing it along to you.  It a special kind of treasure, something to share with the next person who you think might be want a special voice in their lives. 

The cover has a tag, An Umbrafore novel, which might possibly promise more novels to come in this chaotic universe. I can always hope. 

Cover Illustration Main image by Manuka Madushan, Digital Illustrator.

MAYA’S BLOGS:

Espresso Yourself #1

Brew Diligence #2

Uncharted Grounds #3

Flat White Flag #4

Little Bean #5 – series finale 

Buy link

        Little Bean: A Paranormal Comedy with Heart (Maya’s Blogs Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Maya Draven thought marrying a shadow demon warlord was the craziest thing she’d ever do. She was wrong.

As she faces escalating attacks from hate groups, Maya discovers that having a hybrid baby doesn’t make her vulnerable—it makes her dangerous.

And Maya is about to face her biggest challenges yet.

This is the explosive conclusion to Maya’s journey from anxious barista to fierce mother, where she proves that sometimes the best response to people trying to silence you is to speak even louder.

  • Publication date: November 2, 2025
  • Language: English
  • File size: 2.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage: Unlimited
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Not Enabled
  • Word Wise: Enabled
  • Print length: 322 pages
  • Page Flip: Enabled
  • Book 5 of 5: Maya’s Blogs

Review:  Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Selena ,with her dog, Copper, has fled an abusive relationship after the death of her mother. Broken and desperate with dollars to her name, she’s bought a train ticket and traveled days to a small desert town of Quartz Creek in search of an aunt she barely knows. 

Kingfisher’s novel pulls us immediately into the character of Selena, as it’s her voice that’s telling her story.  Quietly contained, tense, and worried as we watch through her eyes, her journey to a town so dry , so small that there’s nothing to see when she’s deposited at her final destination with her few belongings and gentle old lab, Copper. 

We’ve no idea exactly how broken Selena is or how horrific a relationship and past she’s fled. That is slowly revealed throughout the narrative as she starts to find her own way and new foundation in this quirky community. 

Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher is a richly woven, beautifully written tale of a broken woman who finds in small dusty desert town full of secrets, small Gods both frightening and dangerous and some benign a refuge and home, along with a found family. People who are ready to support her, give her comfort and the space she needs to recover and develop her own strengths. 

It’s a remarkable journey. Full of humor, compassion, joy and yes, horror.  

All the characters are remarkable in their design and detail, human and otherwise.  The mythology and mystical elements are incredible. 

And I appreciate that even in the “horror “ aspect of this tale, there is a grey area attached to the “villain” here. Yes, its actions now are wrong but all the characters can see their origin came from a very different place.  I really like having a broader perspective on subjects like this. Nothing is ever black and white. 

T. Kingfisher  or author Ursula Vernon is a writer whose work is quietly thoughtful and insightful. Her love for this desert and its beauty is apparent here, it flows through the landscape of the narrative in every sentence. 

As does her approach to life and wildlife. Roadrunners are indeed far more than the cartoon characters would have you believe. Authors notes are a delight. Check them out. 

Highly recommended. Both author and book. 

Exquisite cover that carries major themes of the story.

Cover design by Logan Matthews Cover illustration by Tristan Elwell

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comSnake-Eater: Kingfisher, T.: 9781662525094

Blurb 

From New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award–winning author T. Kingfisher comes an enthralling contemporary fantasy seeped in horror about a woman trying to escape her past by moving to the remote US desert—only to find herself beholden to the wrath of a vengeful god.

With only a few dollars to her name and her beloved dog Copper by her side, Selena flees her past in the city to claim her late aunt’s house in the desert town of Quartz Creek. The scorpions and spiders are better than what she left behind.

Because in Quartz Creek, there’s a strange beauty to everything, from the landscape to new friends, and more blue sky than Selena’s ever seen. But something lurks beneath the surface. Like the desert gods and spirits lingering outside Selena’s house at night, keeping watch. Mostly benevolent, says her neighbor Grandma Billy. That doesn’t ease the prickly sense that one of them watches too closely and wants something from Selena she can’t begin to imagine. And when Selena’s search for answers leads her to journal entries that her aunt left behind, she discovers a sinister truth about her new home: It’s the haunting grounds of an ancient god known simply as “Snake-Eater,” who her late aunt made a promise to that remains unfulfilled.

Snake-Eater has taken a liking to Selena, an obsession of sorts that turns sinister. And now that Selena is the new owner of his home, he’s hell-bent on collecting everything he’s owed.

Review: I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com by Mystic Neptune

Rating: 4.25⭐️

I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com by Mystic Neptune, which was an absolute delight to read, is among a small handful of books and series where the heroine decides to either be the villain or Big Bad herself or go over to the villain’s side of the story. 

It usually happens early on and because being a hero isn’t particularly a “good” or has been a happy experience for her. In some cases, it’s been enormously traumatic and damaging. 

As is the case with Henrietta Doryn, Warrior Princess, who, just before her 18 birthday, is told by her ruling parents she must go off to the Dark Enchanted Forest and infiltrate the castle and kill the Dark Lord.  Or die trying preferably. 

Of course, the Dark Lord isn’t all that evil. He runs a very excellent kingdom, would rather be tinkering in his workshop and avoiding any kind of paperwork. He’s a great multi dimensional character who continues to grow as the story progresses.

This is a story written in the LitRPG Rom-Com trope which, if you’re not a gamer, means that the story and or series has a LitRPG, or Literary Role-Playing Game incorporated into its format. It’s characters can go on quests, check their stats as far as their various levels and abilities anywhere during the narrative.

So certain expected fantasy elements are meshed together with LitRPG aspects of the story to create a different experience for the reader. 

It can work well, as it does here. Although I’ve found it can also be a bit more challenging in some other novels. Really depends on the author and reader tastes. 

For another fun element, there’s a “Bridgeton” type announcement that’s anonymously written that makes several serious and not so serious statements about ongoing events. 

Who is writing this is a mystery to be solved in the final book!

But first it’s the romance of the Dark Lord who isn’t really and the Warrior Princess who would rather be baking than battling (although she’s rather amazing at it). 

There’s some dark aspects that allow for each character to have a different and surprising depth to them and their journey to HEA. 

I love it when I’m reading and the characters and story continues to evolve and surprise me. Happily. 

I look forward to reading the next book in this series. 

Wonderful story! 

Cover design by MsArtsy and Jenny Zemanek 

Interior illustrations by Arturo Gómez Martínez and Leah Zink

I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com, books 1-3

Each with a different main couple and storyline that fits within the series arc

Buy Link:

 Book 1 of 3: I Ran Away to Evil 

Blurb 

A reluctant heroine finds unexpected love when she’s sent to assassinate a lonely dark lord in the first book of this cozy romantasy series.

Henrietta Doryn has never enjoyed fighting. She’d rather be in the kitchen baking cookies. But it’s her duty as Warrior Princess to face off against the forces of evil. As such, she’s unceremoniously shooed from her kingdom to go eliminate the all-powerful Dark Lord next door. 

Keith Monfort has never enjoyed ruling with an iron fist. He’d prefer to be in his workroom tinkering with practical magic. But it’s his duty to lead the Dark Enchanted Forest and the forces of evil. So when Henrietta shows up at his door, he’s only too happy to invite her in for tea to talk it out instead.

Can this unlikely pair prevent war between their two kingdoms? Where do their true loyalties lie? And when will they finally confess their growing feelings for each other?

Blending the best of love stories, fairy tales, and whimsy—with just a dash of mystery provided by the soothsaying Madame Potts’s enigmatic announcements—I Ran Away to Evil is a deliciously delightful start to a charming romantic-comedy LitRPG series.

The first volume of the hit LitRPG romantasy series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

  • Publisher: Podium Publishing
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: April 23, 2024
  • Language: English
  • File size: 8.0 MB
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Not Enabled
  • Word Wise: Enabled
  • Print length: 435 pages
  • ISBN-13: 978-1039454248
  • Page Flip: Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3: I Ran Away to Evil

Review:  Shadow Throne King (Emperor’s Assassin Book 3) by Kai Butler 

Rating: 4🌈

Shadow Throne King is the third novel in Kai Butler’s Emperor’s Assassin series and I thought this is where the series would be wrapped up. 

But there’s more to come and I’ll be honest, I’m struggling a bit here. 

Butler has written about a complex political situation, with an equally strong layered world upon which the author made its foundation. Kingdoms at war, subtly and magically. Ice and fire, ancient blood magicians, and monstrosities abound. 

And dragons as well as things that lurk in the dark. 

That’s all pretty exciting. Love the ravens. And the characters are, individually, intriguing and given strong backgrounds. 

Based on its elements alone, it’s a 4.5, as a series and story. Solidly crafted and executed so well that I really enjoyed it.  

Especially that last section of dramatic fights and flight from the mountain. So excellent and moving. I was with those mountain badgers and their families every single step. And that song at that moment? Heartbreaking. 

What I’m struggling with? And shouldn’t be is the relationship between the two main characters. I feel absolutely no connection with them. Individually yes. Together no. 

I just don’t find them credible as a pair. No real chemistry between them. And Kai Butler can write chemistry like crazy. Just read Butler’s The Empty Throne Trilogy. But, at least for me, I’m not feeling it here.

I enjoy Airon, the northern assassin/Prince Consort, although at times I feel that he’s not consistent enough in his character for me here. He’s a trained assassin. Yet he doesn’t know to trust his instincts here in the story? Particularly regarding a certain character whose actions are screaming don’t trust me?  

Things like that in a character and storyline just will take a reader right out of a narrative quickly.  As it did me several times here. 

For me, it just highlights that you can have all the “pretty things “ like great world building and details but you need to get the actual substance, the core , the relationship right for a story to feel complete. And at book three it’s not happening. 

But could be that’s it’s just me. So for all the great execution of the plot and characters, 4 stars. 

Cover by Hannah Latham at oexasart 

Emperor’s Assassin series:

Betrothed to the Emperor #1

Emperor’s Wrath #2

Shadow Throne King #3

Dragon Blood Curse #4 – March 16,2026

Buy link

 Book 3 of 4: Emperor’s Assassin 

Blurb 

As the Imperium crumbles beneath our feet, will I be able to keep hold of Tallu?

The imperial generals who so loyally served Tallu’s monstrous father have declared war on us and fled the capital. The enemy nation of Krustau claims to have Empress Koque and Prince Hallu, the second son of Emperor Millu. If that is true, Krustau would have claim to the Imperium’s throne. 

Unable to risk the possibility that Tallu’s brother could fall into the wrong hands, Tallu and I must confront a greater threat than either of us could dream of. Will Tallu’s secrets lead to our loss or will he finally trust me with the truth he can barely whisper in the dark?

  • Publication date: October 27, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 394 pages
  • Book 3 of 4: Emperor’s Assassin

CW: Animal death (temporary), dismemberment, death.

Review:  The House Witch (The House Witch, #1 by Delemhach

Rating: 5⭐️

When I find a new author and a series that makes me swoon as a reader, well, let me tell you, it can keep me up at night thinking about all the amazing stories in my future!

And there are many, many stories ahead of me. I’m so happy.

But first let’s talk about Delemhach’s The House Witch.  It’s a no spice , richly crafted humorous fantasy romance.  The author’s has an amazing ability to bring this fantasy kingdom to life, with all it’s meriad variety of beings , human and otherwise , pand, as we find out, very compelling problems while simultaneously creating a magical world that has such a unique and wonderful character like Finlay Ashowan in it, was incredible. I was so captivated immediately by everything that was happening. 

Fin arrives at the royal castle of the King and Queen of Daxaria. He’s the new head cook. However, he’s hiding the secret that he’s a kitchen witch, perhaps the only known one in the world. And the situation he’s coming into is a tumultuous one. A perilous political time of potential warfare, a royal beloved couple facing a heartbreaking time they’ve faced before, and hidden enemies lurking around in their shadows.

Fin is, also, a prickly personality, but one who, in every sense, fights for those who need him while trying to keep his powers hidden. 

What’s truly remarkable is this story deals with topics that require sensitivity and understanding. Women who are being harassed and targeted, miscarriages, horrific physical parental abuse, and even widespread species violence. But the author, instead of focusing on the raw material or specific details, instead uses these storylines as subtly important parts of each character‘a development or another facet of the entire story. 

And when it’s revealed, it’s as an impactful moment for the characters and readers. I can’t stress enough how fantastic this element is here. 

Not only for Fin but also for many other characters. Ones that end up being characters that the reader will hold just as close to their heart as the main characters, Fin and Annika. And Kraken the Kitchen Cat. 

This is witty, hilarious, heartbreaking, beautifully written and a fantastic read. It captures your imagination and heart. 

I’m immediately headed to book 2. Read this and follow me there. 

One of my finds of the year. 

These richly detailed covers! I love them!

Cover design by Podium Publishing

The House Witch series:

All three books of the same title!

Plus semi sequel :

The Princess of Potential series 

The Burning Witch trilogy

The Ether Witch trilogy that is due to release it’s final volume in 2026

Buy link 

 Book 1 of 3: The House Witch 

Blurb 

A heartwarming and humorous blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery featuring a witch with domestic powers and the royal household he serves . . . dinner.

When Finlay Ashowan joins the staff of the King and Queen of Daxaria, he’s an enigma. No one knows where he comes from or how he came to be where he is, which suits Fin just fine. He’s satisfied simply serving as the royal cook, keeping nosy passersby out of his kitchen, and concocting some truly uncanny meals.

But Fin’s secret identity doesn’t stay hidden for long. After all, it’s not every day a house witch and his kitten familiar, Kraken, take to meddling in imperial affairs. As his powers are gradually discovered by the court, Fin finds himself involved in a slew of intrigues: going head-to-head with knights with less-than-chivalrous intentions, helping to protect the pregnant queen, fending off the ire of the royal mage, and uncovering a spy in the castle. And that’s only the beginning—because Fin’s past is catching up with him just as his love life is getting complicated . . .

Filled with fascinating characters, courtly intrigue, political machinations, delicious cuisines, cuddly companions, magical hijinks, and will-they-won’t-they romance, The House Witch is the first in a captivating new series, guaranteed to satisfy the tastes of any reader.

  • Publisher: Podium Publishing
  • Publication date: June 21, 2022
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 474 pages
  • Book 1 of 3: The House Witch

Review:  Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs

Rating: 5⭐️

Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs has been described as a terrific novel written in as several short stories. I absolutely agree and I loved it. 

The premise of the stories centers around an ancient werewolf, Asil, one who lost his beloved mate in a long past traumatic event that has continued to haunt him.  His current pack mates in Montana have decided to take him on a series of 5 blind dates, via various dating apps, at Christmas time, to pull him out of his increasingly violent behavior and depression. 

He’s even a Muslim who doesn’t celebrate Christmas as Asil will often remind his friends. So each short story is one of Asil’s dates. It begins with a open email, or text, that starts with 

Dear Asil. It then outlines the date, the app they choose from, the parameters of the date and sign it Merry Christmas, Your Concerned Friends .

The dates have a huge range from floral arrangements to kitties to ghostbusters and more. But that doesn’t even touch the surface of what the author has in store for Asil and the reader. 

It’s actually startling complex, often horrifying, well written and beautifully played out, with each story constantly evolving and reflecting back into Asil’s life. 

By the time we reach the end tale, the pieces are falling into place, the drama is charged full of suspense and chaos, and that epilogue is so satisfying and heartwarming that I read it twice. 

This is why Patricia Briggs is a highly recommended author. Grab up this new book and enjoy!

Contents:

Asil’s first date:

“Unappreciated Gifts”

Asil’s Second Date:

 “Must Love Cats: Aftermath”

Asil’s Third Date:

“Asil and the Not-Date”

Asil’s Fourth Date:

“Dating Terrors”

Asil’s Fifth Date:

“Scheherazade”

“Epilogue”

Except from 

“Alpha and Omega” by Patricia Briggs

Cover illustration Daniel dos Santos Cover and endpapers designed by Judith Lagerman

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › shop › dealsBlind Date With A Werewolf

Blurb 

When the deadly werewolf Asil is gifted five blind dates by some anonymous “friends,” his reclusive life will never be the same, in this enthralling novel in stories from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson series.

Includes two all-new stories as well as three previously published stories.

Dear Asil:

We are worried about you. A werewolf alone is a sad thing, especially at Christmastime. So we have a challenge for you: five dates in three weeks. We have taken the work out of it and connected you with five people from online dating sites. You should also know that we have informed the whole pack and instigated a betting pool. Have fun!

Sincerely,

Your Concerned Friends

  • Publisher: Ace
  • Publication date: October 21, 2025
  • Language: English

Review: Borrowed Amulet (Splintered Realms, #1) by Jilleen Dolbeare

Rating: 3.25⭐️

I should have remembered why I didn’t finish the original Splintered Realms series before I picked up this book. In fact, I didn’t make it past book 2 there. And I’m stopping here. 

I do like Jileen Dolbeare overall but find I need to be selective about what books or series of hers to read. I just read a prequel book that was terrific and I’m getting ready for the series finale of a paranormal romance thriller that’s highly recommended she’s co-authored with Heather G. Harris. 

But her Splintered Realms series just continues to be one that has too many issues. That of problematic characters and plots with storylines that are nonsensical, given the characters status and current events or just seem forced into the plot for the sake of drama itself.

This one is based off history and events that happened in the previous series. A death has already happened.  The main character, a dragon rider, is grieving . She’s supposed to be older here but acts younger. Merlin, that Merlin of King Arthur’s Court, is an unpleasant character but not a complete bad person. 

The actual story is a bit of a mess if you’re not familiar with the universe and background already set down in previous novels. 

But it’s the actions of the main character that I find actionable here as written by Dolbeare. I’m not sure why she’s not thinking a reader will listen and look at this whole woman and wonder why the lack of development. 

Granted she’s grieving and yes, Merlin was deeply cruel in his comments. All true. But past that, her dragon is very young and inexperienced in his own way. 

Then comes a young dragon mage, who has zero experience because she’s been totally isolated in Scotland, beloved, and given to an equally untrained wanna-be rider.  

Megan and Merlin decide to go after the eminently powerful Big Bad Mage with his own dragon who was responsible for her hunny’s death. Guess who they take with them? 

Oh no what could possibly go wrong?

That’s a SMH scenario.  And of course, it ends in a cliffhanger that anyone could see coming. When a author has her characters who are supposed to be seasoned mages act with all the instincts of first year grade students going into battle with kindergarteners, it destroys any credibility that they have.  Including that plot line. 

So I’ll try to remember that it is the Splintered Realms series I’m not reading. 

If you are a fan, I’ll leave it to you. 

Cover Designer: Covers by Christian

Splintered Realm Series 

Borrowed Magic: Book .5 

Borrowed Amulet: Book 1 

Borrowed Chaos: Book 2* 

Borrowed Trouble: Book 3*

Buy link

 Book 1 of 3: Splintered Realms 

Blurb 

Megan’s world has shattered. The love of her life is gone, leaving her hollow and consumed by grief. In the midst of this despair, one venomous remark from Merlin—yes, that Merlin—sends her over the edge, pushing her into a reckless new purpose: bounty hunting across the Splinters of reality with her red dragon, Goch.

One target fuels her obsession: Mordred and his dragon. It’s the only thing keeping her from drowning in sorrow. But the hunter’s guild has left Mordred’s bounty up for grabs, and it’s already claimed lives. Worse, as a realm walker, Mordred’s impossible to track across the splinters, driving Megan mad with frustration and leaving her too much time to think.

Out of options, she grudgingly teams up with Merlin. Powerful, legendary, and hard to ignore, he should be the perfect ally—except she loathes him with the fire of a million burning suns. Then Mordred makes a move, reaching out to both of them.

The hunt is back on, but Merlin’s shadowy past is catching up, turning an already dangerous mission into a deadly gamble. Can Megan capture Mordred, survive Merlin’s demons, and make it out alive? Or will her pursuit lead to her ultimate downfall?

Enjoy this urban fantasy adventure with an older heroine, a slow burn enemies to lovers romance, dragon riding, and tons of action!

Review:  The Things Gods Break (The Crucible Book 2) by Abigail Owens

Rating: 4.5🔥

The Things Gods Break , a follow up to The Games Gods Play, is the book in The Crucible series that will make a reader want to absolutely scream at the author at the end. Especially knowing they have to wait for the next book to be released. 

Yes, major cliffhangers happen here. 

No I’m not going to make any spoilers. 

The Things Gods Break is excellently written, has so many fantastic twists and unexpected plot surprises that no one should spoil it for another reader. 

At the end of the first book, our main female protagonist, Lyra and her best friend Boone are trapped  behind locked doors in the underworld prison of Tartarus.  That left Hades on the other side, threatening to burn the entire world to the ground to free her. 

In Tartarus with Lyra and Boone? The Titans. And Lyra is the key to their success in leaving the prison. It’s a succession of seven ancient locks that are that major elements here. The key to freedom for both the Titans and Lyra and Boone. 

So many great aspects of the story. Here Hades and Lyra are kept apart, so we get their development and storylines separated. It’s powerful and will contribute to that ending. 

Owens’ use of Greek mythology and its gods within her series, tweaking it for her own narrative is imaginative and interesting.  They continue to remain compelling figures.

Here the author really dives hard into the characters (and our emotions). As the events and heart wrenching experiences continue to unfold, and the characters become more complex, the unexpected twists pop up. That ending!

The Things Gods Break will read unlike the first, but it’s just as compelling. And now I can’t wait for the next one to come out.

Highly recommended. 

Cover design by LJ Anderson and Bree Archer 

Interior map design by Elizabeth Turner Stokes 

Interior map images by Nadia Murash/Shutterstock,

The Crucible series

Book #1 The Games Gods Play

Book #2 The Things Gods Break

Buy link

 Book 2 of 2: The Crucible 

Blurb 

The gods want her dead…Hades will bury them.

You’d think I’d have learned by now:

Don’t mouth off to deities.

Don’t fall for the King of the Underworld.

And definitely don’t get dragged into a divine death match where I’m the cursed mortal prize.

But here I am—trapped in Tartarus, humanity’s worst pit stop, squaring off against monsters who make the gods look merciful. Titans, twisted by centuries of rage and ruin, are sealed behind seven ancient locks.

And guess what?

I’m the key.

To escape, I’ll have to survive every horrifying trial they throw at me.

To win, I might have to become something the gods never saw coming.

Oh, and Hades?

He’s about to break every rule the gods ever wrote.

Because to save me…the god of death will burn the world.

But if I break free? So do the Titans.

And the world won’t just suffer—it’ll beg for the end.

The Crucible series is best enjoyed in order.

Reading Order:

Book #1 The Games Gods Play

Book #2 The Things Gods Break

  • Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books
  • Publication date: October 21, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 673 pages
  • Book 2 of 2: The Crucible

Review:  Diamond Wishes: An Aladdin Retelling by Abigail Manning 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Abigail Manning takes well known fairytales from our childhood and gives them her own unique twists and fabulous turns of character and plays on the themes. 

This is one of the “All That Glitters” series and is , as all of her stories are, a no-spice, clean romance. 

Diamond Wishes turns Aladdin into Kya, a female thief with a humorous, snarky parrot companion. 

All That Glitters- 12 books/different authors:

Tainted Beauty by Alesha Adamson

Stolen Magic by Camille Peters

Amphibian’s Kiss by Lichelle Slater

Rapunzel’s Gambit by Mary Mecham

Golden Goose by Lea Doué

Siren’s Treasure by Suzanna Fowers

Rose Crown by Nina Clare

Feathered Thief by J.M. Stengl

Snow Bound by C. J. Brightley

Gilded Locks by Julene Johnson 

Lost Starlight: A Peter Pan Retelling by Kayla Eshbaugh

Diamond Wishes: An Aladdin Retelling by Abigail Manning

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comDiamond Wishes: An Aladdin Retelling eBook : Manning, Abigail: Kindle Store

Blurb 

A mute guard, a chatty parrot, and a diamond ring that could change it all…

Few people have heard the legend of the wondrous wishing diamond, and even fewer have wasted their efforts searching for it. Kya couldn’t care less about jewels unless they can sell for enough money to feed her and her mouthy parrot. Her chronic fainting spells make it impossible to hold down a real job, and difficult to escape the guards when a charming stranger interrupts her heist.

Caught and caged, Kya admits defeat as she wastes away in the palace prison. Not even befriending a royal guard can get her out of her chains, but a deal with a smooth-talking nobleman might… It would seem that the boy from the market isn’t the only person on a diamond hunt.

If anyone can find a diamond ring in a cave full of treasures, it’s a jewel thief, but that doesn’t mean she knows how to use it. Wishes gone wrong and a power struggle between royals quickly trap Kya once again, but this time as a fake princess. Even a counterfeit diamond can sparkle, but can it fool a treasure hunter? Life as a royal sure does have a nice ring to it—if you can live long enough to wish for a crown.

Diamond Wishes is a standalone, no-spice, fairy retelling and is a part of the series “All That Glitters.” A collection of 12 treasure-themed fairy tale retellings full of adventure, romance, and glittering gold.

  • Publication date: July 19, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 208 pages
  • Part of series: All That Glitters

More Twists on Fairytales 

The Emerald Realm :

Poisoned Heart: A Retelling of Snow White 

Bearly Free: A Retelling of Goldilocks Framed in Florals: A Retelling of Cinderella 

Stolen Crown: A Retelling of Thumbelina 

Towering Future: A Retelling of Rapunzel 

The Ruby Realm series:

Crimson Claws: A Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood 

Wilting Captive: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast 

Sole of Secrets: A Retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses 

Insomniac’s Curse: A Retelling of Sleeping Beauty 

Forged Gold: A Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin 

Once Upon A Rhyme series:

The Itsy Bitsy Liar 

Little Bo Sneak 

Hush A Bye Lady 

Do You Know the Muffin Scam? 

Baa Baa Black Market 

Twinkle Twinkle Little Scars 

The Fairmyth Chronicles

The Soulless Slipper: A Retelling of Persephone and Cinderella The Serpent’s Tower: A Retelling of Medusa and Rapunzel 

The Beast’s Labyrinth: A Retelling of Beauty & the Beast and The Minotaur The Dozen Damsels: A Retelling of The 12 Dancing Princesses & The 12 Labors of Hercules 

Short Story Collections 

The Crystal Realm: A Collection of Retold Christmas Tales 

The Rose Realm: A Collection of Retold Flower Tales 

The Shadow Realm: A Collection of Retold Halloween Tales 

The Feather Realm: A Collection of Retold Bird Tales 

Fit For A Crown 

Fit For A Prince 

Standalone Novellas 

To Shatter A Slipper: A Retelling of Cinderella 

Charlotte and the Cozy Cottage: A Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin 

The Snowy Footprints: A Retelling of The Elves and the Shoemaker Diamond Wishes: A Retelling of Aladdin