Review: Swordheart by T Kingfisher

Rating: 4⭐️

Swordheart is one of three books planned in this series by T. Kingfisher, an author whose books I automatically read. I often find them sharply plotted, full of intriguing characters and the narratives can often turn dry, humorous and bittersweet while maintaining a depth of truth and honesty to the situation and storyline.

This carries many of these elements here.

It starts with widowed 36 year old Halla who’s been taking care of her ailing uncle, a collector of oddities in his enormous house. When he dies, to the chagrin of his greedy relatives, it’s Halla who unexpectedly inherits her uncle’s entire fortune. When the relatives decide to force Halla to give up his estate to them, by marriage or by locking her up inside the house, she becomes desperate.

How Sarkis comes into her life and gets her out of the house is a remarkable aspect of the story. It demonstrates Halla’s resilience and gives us a perfect example of her personality.

What I could have done without is Sarkis’s constant remarks about Halla’s physical appearance. And his own reaction to it.

It’s a road trip and a slow burn romance but I could have done with just a road trip action adventure. There’s a lot of stories about Sarkis, the time that’s passed, the current religious beliefs and tensions between the different temples and their territories. And, of course, those who wish to possess magical items, like swords.

And interwoven with all that is Halla needing to obtain her own goals and end game. With Sarkis at her side.

All beautifully descriptive as this is, and as well executed is the world building, I felt that the story was or got too slow, especially around the middle. I had figured out who was the bad guy(s), what they were going to do, and then had to wait pages and pages until the action and drama came into play towards the end. Then it all came together and got interesting.

It felt like it took too long to get there.

One aspect of this I do appreciate is there’s no magical “fix” for Sarkis. No waving of a crystal or anything to undo his magic. Bittersweet and realistic.

That’s T Kingfisher. Recommended.

Swordheart series:

Swordheart

Daggerbound #2

Shieldborn #3 – Aug 24, 2027

Buy link

Book 1 of 3: Swordheart

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comSwordheart: Kingfisher, T.: 9781250400222

Blurb

The delicious bodyguard romance of From Blood and Ash meets the delightful charm of The Princess Bridein this cozy fantasy romance from New York Timesbestselling author T. Kingfisher

Halla has unexpectedly inherited the estate of the wealthy distant uncle she’s been caring for for the past decade. Unfortunately, she is also saddled with money-hungry relatives full of devious plans for how to wrest the inheritance away from her.

While hiding in her bedroom to escape her family, Halla inspects the ancient sword that’s been collecting dust on the wall since before she moved in. On a whim, she pulls it down and unsheaths it—and suddenly a man appears in her bedroom. His name is Sarkis, he tells her, and he is an immortal warrior trapped in a prison of enchanted steel.

Sarkis is sworn to protect whoever wields the sword, and for Halla—a most unusual wielder—he finds himself not fending off grand armies and deadly assassins but instead everything from kindly-seeming bandits to roving inquisitors to her own in-laws. But as Halla and Sarkis become closer, they overlook the biggest threat of all—the sword itself.

Bramble

Publication date

September 20, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

458 pages

Review: Move Your Ash: A Midlife Paranormal Dark Comedy (The Scales of Justice Book 2) by Lara McKenzie

Rating: 5⭐️

Move Your Ash is my favorite book of this series and of the recently released connected novels associated with the same universe characters.

It’s reminiscent of the early Maya Blog stories in which the character was really introspective, here journaling instead of blogging, through some major personal issues with relatable humor, often deep rooted pain, and continuing fears from her past family history of family violence and abuse.

Charlotte has a new home, new neighborhood and is working with Nico to rebuild their relationship after his betrayal and the devastating events in the first book. It’s only going so so, along with her perimenopause and all that brings with it.

It’s a lot.

McKenzie gives us a woman who is trying to, once again, establish herself in a new situation, one where she’s in control, but not letting the past fears restrict her ability to live her life. She’s in therapy, trying to understand how to handle her emotional pain as well as the perimenopausal symptoms that are associated with her fluctuations in emotions, rage being the most common, unacknowledged fears being one of the others.

Her new neighbors, a mixed bag of human beings and otherworldly beings are a fascinating group that add humor, tightly written tension, and a lot of relatable community dynamics to the story. Absolutely loved this and the characters.

But, as with this author and universe, it’s always about the main character, her development and personal growth. Charlotte has been through enormous tragedy, betrayals, and damaging emotional abuse by her kidnappers/traffickers. And she’s continuing dealing with the trauma and aftermath of this experience. The journaling is a very important part of this.

They impart her intelligence, insight into her moods, daily thoughts and even hot flashes. These entries start each chapter and remain the highlight of the book for me. Tidbits of joy, hilarity and often, poignant stories.

Nico’s part here is equally important. He’s aware of his role in working to make their relationship better, equal and communicative with understanding that was missing from it before. Their fights and interactions are just as important as anything else here but the discussions between them are deeply rooted in being adults and handling each other’s flaws and feelings.

For some reason Move Your Ash: A Midlife Paranormal Dark Comedy (The Scales of Justice Book 2) by Lara McKenzie reads like a finale book to me. So many characters make appearances. It’s absolutely satisfying and I love it.

I really hope not. I’m so fond of this universe and these people. I want to see what happens to them next. But if McKenzie leaves them here, I’m ok with that.

Highly recommended. But read the books in the order they are written.

Cover Illustration by Mansitha

MAYA’S BLOGS

Espresso Yourself

Diligence

Uncharted Grounds

Flat White Flag

Little Bean

Stir Crazy

THE SCALES OF JUSTICE

Kiss My Ash #1

Move Your Ash #2

Buy link

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H7XPHS29?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1788730014&sr=1-1&ref=dbs_dp_awt_sb_pc_tkin

Blurb

The toughest thing a perimenopausal woman with no patience left can grow—other than chin hair—is roots.

Charlotte has a new house, nosy neighbours, and a mission to live her life without fear.

But her new life is proving tougher than she expected, especially when her work at White Flag House’s new legal clinic brings her more attention than she’s comfortable with, her hormones play havoc with her emotions, and her relationship with Nico still hasn’t recovered after his betrayal.

Can Charlotte learn to stand on her own without shutting out the people who want to stand with her?

Perfect for fans of midlife paranormal comedy with just a touch of darkness.

September 2, 2026

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‎English

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Book 2 of 2

The Scales of Justice

Review: A Labyrinth of Honeybees (Magic & Mystery collection) by Heather Fawcett

Rating: 4.5⭐️

A Labyrinth of Honeybees (Magic & Mystery collection) by Heather Fawcett is a fabulous short fantasy story and audiobook book, one of seven in the Magic & Mystery collection being offered by a selection of authors.

Heather Fawcett is another new discovery for me and this story delivers a richly crafted tale of hidden identities, a King whose throne is in peril, feuding gods and a beautifully executed universe. And the priestess who waits at the gates for the King’s Inquisitor to arrive.

It’s 44 pages of amazing characters, mysterious magical mazes, old and new gods, and a fabulous twist at the end. So so great and satisfying.

That you get both the ebooks and audio at the same time is a real bonus.

I grabbed this one first because of its description and that marvelous cover. Now I’m going back for the rest of this collection.

You’re going to want to as well. Highly recommended.

Cover illustration by Danny Schlitz

Magic & Mystery collection – 7 books (ebook & audio):

Miss Gentle and the Case of the Very Flat Monk by Travis Baldree

The Wednesday Witches Book Club by Sarah Beth Durst

The Lion’s Tusk by Robert Jackson Bennett

A Labyrinth of Honeybees by Heather Fawcett

The Wizard Who Kept Himself Suspicious by Scott Lynch

Battle of the Round House by Tananarive Due

The Cairndale Orphan by J. M. Miro

Buy link

Book 4 of 7: Magic & Mystery

Blurb

New rulers meddle with the whims of the old gods in a lush and twisty short story of devotion, intrigue, and murder by the New York Times bestselling author of the Emily Wilde series.

At a remote mountain temple, an inquisitor arrives to question a priestess about a pair of murders. The keeper of the sacred garden, its bees, and its ever-changing hedge maze does have her secrets. But what will protecting them cost her as she uncovers layers of conspiracy on both sides?

Heather Fawcett’s A Labyrinth of Honeybees is part of the Magic & Mystery collection, puzzle-box mysteries from top fantasy authors. They can be read or listened to in one enchanting sitting.

Amazon Original Stories

Publication date

July 28, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

44 pages

Book 4 of 7

Magic & Mystery

Review: Kill the Beast by Serra Swift

Rating: 4.5⭐️

This is an excellent first book by this author. Kill the Beast by Serra Swift, a fantasy adventure novel, is a remarkable tale of revenge, found family and redemption.

Situated In lands where humanity has expanded into lands once shared with Fae, the forward movement of humans and their developments have disastrous consequences when they encounter the otherworldly creatures and the monsters that the fae have created and left behind.

The fae, fleeing from the iron technology of humanity and losses of their forests or just insults to their superior species, ensured their revenge against humans is often deep and brutal.

For one woman, Lyssa Cadogan, now Lyssa Carnifax, the Fae’s brutality has been incredibly devastating, the loss of her beloved brother who was murdered by a faerie-made monster known as the Beast. She made an oath on his grave to revenge him and kill the Beast. And that’s been her life’s goal and work since then.

A warrior/hunter consumed by her hatred for the Fae and need for revenge. She is hired by a wealthy, sort of dandy Alderic Casimir de Laurent, who has knowledge of the Monster and hires her to kill it.

And it’s not just as simple as that.

So many interesting and tragic layers to the story and of these people. Multiple losses, deep emotional scars, slowly bonding with each other and with the scary found family that Lyssa has gained over the years. This includes an enormous bullmastiff called Brandy.

There’s no romance. A past relationship is mentioned and there is a possibility of a future romance. But this is about dealing with trauma, the tragedy of your past, revenge and forgiveness. And finally being able to move forward.

An absolutely fantastic book by a first time author. I can’t wait to see what they write next.

Highly recommended.

Love the cover.

Cover design by Shreya Gupta

Cover illustration by Kelly Chong

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comKill the Beast: Swift, Serra: 9781250373786

Blurb

The Witcher meets Howl’s Moving Castle in this debut original faerie tale of revenge, redemption, and friendship—for fans of T. Kingfisher, Naomi Novik, and cozy fantasy with a dash of gritty adventure.

The night Lyssa Cadogan’s brother was murdered by a faerie-made monster known as the Beast, she made him a promise: she would find a way to destroy the immortal creature and avenge his death. For thirteen years, she has been hunting faeries and the abominations they created. But in all that time, the one Beast she is most desperate to find has never resurfaced.

Until she meets Alderic Casimir de Laurent, a melodramatic dandy with a coin purse bigger than his brain. Somehow, he has found the monster’s lair, and—even more surprising—retrieved one of its claws. A claw Lyssa needs in order to forge a sword that can kill the Beast.

Alderic is ill-equipped for a hunt and almost guaranteed to get himself killed. But as the two of them search for the rest of the materials that will be the Beast’s undoing, Alderic reveals hidden depths: dark secrets that he guards as carefully as Lyssa guards hers. Before long, and against Lyssa’s better judgment, an unlikely friendship begins to bloom—one that will either lead to the culmination of Lyssa’s quest for vengeance, or spell doom for them both.

Tor Books

Publication date

October 14, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

309 pages

Review: Stir Crazy: Maya’s Blogs: Book 6 by Lara McKenzie

Rating: 4⭐️

Stir Crazy is book 6 is Maya’s Blog, one of my all time favorite series.

Lara McKenzie has taken her main character on a tremendous personal journey of self discovery and growth. She’s gone from someone who fled a strict religious home environment that was destroying her sense of self and wellbeing to finding a new place where she slowly became a woman who through a new life, barista job and found family of paranormals, who she is today.

Someone who has undergone an enormous transformation into a paranormal herself, found a mate in a battle demon, and now has a family, that includes a demon merchild, Sabine, and a ghost mantis shrimp, Genevieve. And a blog of millions of followers.

It’s been a great journey.And it’s not over yet.

After Little Bean, the birth of her baby, the battle with the Project Purity people who threatened their lives, now comes the fallout.

And how she, Scorpion (her husband and mate) , Sabine the baby, and the rest of the household are doing after the fighting is over and the ramifications is setting in.

Not well. Especially for Scorpion as Dax, his best friend and co-hort in the field, left for the Rift over his own actions. And nothing has been the same. Tension is high and effecting everyone around him. Leaving Maya to try and figure things out.

I thought this was a good book but not the strongest one in the series. Several things I found works against it for me.

Genevieve, the ghost mantis shrimp, is a unique character and voice. But here McKenzie makes the decision to give Genevieve a larger audience and role in Maya’s blog. Which is the book’s format. So we get Maya’s perspective and her story about what she’s going through with trying to fix the torn dynamic between Scorpion and Dax.

Then it’s switched to Genevieve and her new sidekick Myrtle the Turtle, and her new PI business she’s setting up. Then the cases she and Myrtle actually take.

Then we start to see alternating blogs for Maya and Genevieve, which I found a less interesting and enjoyable format. Genevieve is fine in small doses but doesn’t work for me here in a larger capacity. Unlike Charlotte who got her own story, and it was outstanding.

There’s a few things left open, like the sentient car who left Maya because she felt unappreciated/unheard. This was another element that I found underwhelming. It came out of nowhere.

Maya was quick to blame herself for not listening but the prior circumstances, a desperate battle, constant fighting and threats, a demolition of her home, none of which seemed to be taken into account by the car. Was no one else around her who could have intervened (friends/family) or even the car talking to someone about it? To say an intervention was needed? To a mother overwhelmed with her current circumstances?

Seems like a bit unfair to me. That Maya is the only one able to hold everything together. New mom to a child whose very vocal cords can shatter buildings who’s starting preschool ? And a husband who is having trouble with his rage and frustration that he’s scaring people? And a ghost shrimp who wants to start a business and bring in a turtle? So let’s add an unhappy car to that.

So yes, I found that Stir Crazy was good but not fantastic. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Absolutely don’t miss out on Charlotte’s book Kiss My Ash, it’s incredible.

I listed them all below.,

The series is highly recommended!

Maya’s Blogs (6 book series):

Espresso Yourself #1

Brew Diligence #2

Uncharted Grounds #3

Flat White Flag #4

Little Bean #5

Stir Crazy #6

Kiss My Ash: An Umbrafore Standalone Novel

Buy link

Book 6 of 6: Maya’s Blogs

Blurb

After Scorpion and Dax’s devastating fallout over Project Purity, Maya finds herself walking on eggshells around the shadow demon she loves. The bond between them is strained, and Ashvale Nocturn is feeling less like a sanctuary and more like a pressure cooker.

Meanwhile, Dax is carrying secrets, guilt, and enough emotional damage to destabilise the realms, while Genevieve launches Claw & Order into full investigative chaos with ghost shrimp professionalism and no ethical restraint.

Packed with brutal honesty, dark humor, and the messy reality of forgiveness, Stir Crazy is the sixth instalment in the Maya’s Blogs series about love, loyalty, rebuilding trust, and what happens when emotionally repressed warlords finally start talking.

May 29, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

327 pages

Book 6 of 6

Maya’s Blogs

Review: Wizards & Weavers (Cozy Questing Book 1) by Nazri Noor

Rating: 4🌈

I have read several of this author’s series before and enjoyed them, so I grabbed up his new cozy fantasy book that starts his newest series.

It’s a dungeon quest cozy fantasy adventure where Braiden Beadle’s family craft store is heavily in debt. A new dungeon has appeared in town and none of the travelers or dungeon crawlers have need of his knitted wares, or woven goods. What good is a rainbow sweater in a dungeon?

Then Augustin Arcosa, the Wizard of Weathervale appears to shut down the dungeon, just as Braiden has hatched a new plan to keep his store afloat. But he needs the dungeon.

It’s an enemy, sort of, to romantic interest tale as the two men navigate the dungeon, Augustin’s grandmother, and a host of other characters.

It’s fun, non-spicy, adventurous, and magical. A princess and magical creatures are introduced that will carry over into the next book.

Very entertaining if a bit slow in parts.

Cover art by Hannah Latham

Cover design by Christian Bentulan

Cozy Questing:

Wizards & Weavers #1

Heroes & Handcrafts #2

Buy link

Book 1 of 2: Cozy Questing

Blurb

Everyone loves a good yarn.

Braiden Beadle’s craft shop is on its last legs, even though it’s filled with the plushest yarns and the finest fabrics. Nobody cares for crafts anymore, not since the dungeon appeared outside Weathervale. Adventurers have swarmed the seaside city, eager to discover the dungeon’s treasures… and not a single one of them needs any knitting needles.

Desperate to save his shop, Braiden prepares to brave the mysterious dungeon for its riches. But Augustin Arcosa, the Wizard of Weathervale, has deemed the dungeon a threat to his hometown. He wants to seal it away forever.

Armed with only his wits and his impractical magic of weaving, Braiden must convince the haughty and annoyingly handsome wizard that the dungeon poses no danger to Weathervale. And there’s only one way to be certain: they must explore its depths together.

Can an unlikely adventurer and a windbag wizard find common ground underground? Join Braiden, Augustin, and an evolving party of quirky colleagues as they embark on the cozy quest of a lifetime. A humorous, heartwarming MM cozy fantasy perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Terry Pratchett.

Everyone loves a good yarn.

Can an unlikely adventurer and a windbag wizard find common ground underground? Join Braiden, Augustin, and an evolving party of quirky colleagues as they embark on the cozy quest of a lifetime.

September 29, 2025

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332 pages

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Book 1 of 2

Cozy Questing

Review : Kiss My Ash: A paranormal fantasy with chaos and heart (An Umbrafore Novel) by Lara McKenzie

Rating: 5⭐️

“Grief is a squatter. You can’t evict it or reason with it, and it keeps touching your things.”

This is a story I want to share, underline, have quotes made into bumper stickers, and just absolutely love.

But it’s not an easy story to read at times. It’s emotionally draining, raw, heartbreaking, funny, full of truth and tragedy, and for many women who are struggling with their bodies, trauma, and grief, this story can only be described as a tale of recovery and healing.

Lara McKenzie always manages to balances darkness with humor in her writing, and that’s especially true here in Kiss My Ash.

Charlotte Marelli, ex-lawyer, now owner of a supernatural coffee shop in the realm of Umbrafore. Charlotte is a character we’re familiar with if you’re a reader of the connected series, Maya’s Blogs, written in the similar style.

Charlotte has been a wonderfully steady force in the lives of many beings around her but here it’s Charlotte who is in need as her life begins to shatter.

Careful to keep complete control of her life, reasons for which become apparent as the story develops, her past life begins to invade her current situation and her physically changes of perimenopause and hot flashes are making her everyday life even more difficult.

This is truly such a powerful read as Charlotte’s struggles through her tragic history, current dangers and watch as she grows into a survivor and warrior.

A remarkable book that’s relevant, quotable, and heartfelt. I highly recommend both the author , Kiss My Ass, and Maya’s Blogs too.

Cover Illustration by Mansitha.

Side story. Related to

Maya’s Blogs (5 book series)

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comKiss My Ash: A paranormal fantasy with chaos and heart (An Umbrafore Novel) eBook …

Blurb

Forty-seven, perimenopausal, and armed with a lethal wit, ex-barrister Charlotte Marelli runs a supernatural coffee shop.

Her small and carefully controlled life shatters when someone from her past reappears just as her no-strings-attached relationship becomes complicated.

Thrust into a web of surveillance and old traumas, Charlotte must unravel a conspiracy tied to her own kidnapping, forcing her to decide whether trusting anyone is worth the risk of being broken again.

February 2, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

312 pages

Women’s fantasy fiction, fantasy fiction,

Kiss My Ash contains depictions of: Mild PTSD and panic attacks Past captivity and human trafficking (not depicted on page) Alcohol as a coping mechanism Death of a parent Trauma responses Menopause and perimenopause experiences Violence and threats of violence (non-explicit) Please, take care of yourself.

Note; written for neurodivergent readers, with shortish chapters, accessible prose, and minimal filler.

Review: Bound By Fate (Blind Fury Book 1) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Bound By Fate (Blind Fury Book 1) is a new series by Annabel Chase and the first book is a terrific one.

I absolutely love the premise of a paranormal retirement community, along with the attendant issues of its otherworldly residents in their “later, much much later years “ of existence. Witches, vampires who have lived extremely long and rich lives and now live out their lives together. Some lively souls, enjoying their ancient lives while others exhibit significant signs of dementia.

It’s a familiar setting and group made fantastical in a complex and intimate story. One that will flow together with a weekly meeting of cardsharp players and fanatical cliques of pickleball teams. All beautifully written and believable.

Chase treats them with kindness, respect and compassion. These people are layered with degrees of history and poignancy of life at its for some.

The assistant head of their security team is an enigma, Maya August, an intriguing figure herself. She’s in hiding on this retirement island off of Savannah,Georgia. She’s been personally isolating herself from everyone. And that gives Chase ample room for her to develop Maya’s personality and reveal bits about her background as events happen.

And, wonderfully, Chase does this by bringing Maya into the community. She finally fully acknowledges her role as protector and part of them. We are enveloped by their presence as well as Maya’s ability to make her own choices for herself.

But there’s also mystery, murders, and outside forces of power here. One of those includes a person called Zale, someone who will figure into the series.

I love everything about this. The many characters, types of beings, the various mythology the author is introducing (she’s excellent at it), but above all, this realistic yet not retirement community of powerful paranormal beings. All who have issues we can identify with but on extraordinary levels.

I really can’t wait for the next story to arrive.

Btw, HOA’s are still awful no matter what the setting. FYI.

A winner and so happy to share with you.

Cover design by Trif

Blind Fury:

Bound By Fate #1

Bargain With Fate #2 – May 26,2026

Buy link

Book 1 of 2: Blind Fury

Blurb

Most people move to a magical retirement island for peace and quiet—and pickleball.

Maya August moved there to disappear.

As the assistant director of security for Evermore Island—a secret community where elderly paranormals fade into obscurity—Maya has built the perfect hiding place. Her days consist of magical mishaps, avoiding the clothing-optional tennis courts, and definitely not getting attached to the island’s strays (feline or otherwise).

Then her boss vanishes. A resident turns up dead. And Maya’s carefully constructed refuge begins to crumble.

She could handle a murder investigation. She’s handled much, much worse. What she can’t handle is the HOA president forcing her back to the mainland after five years in self-imposed exile to meet Vale, the mysterious and powerful figure who’s claimed jurisdiction over her case.

But Maya isn’t interested in playing by his rules or anyone else’s.

Because if Maya can’t solve this case and keep her past buried, there are fates far worse than letting a killer walk free.

Perfect for fans of morally gray heroines, slow-burn tension, and retirement home chaos meets magical noir, Bound By Fate is the first book in the new Blind Fury-urban fantasy series.

Publisher

Red Palm Press LLC

Publication date

February 12, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

276 pages

Book 1 of 2

Blind Fury

Review: Ravenwood (Tanyth Fairport Adventures Book 1) by Nathan Lowell

Rating: 4.5⭐️

“You’re never too old to make a bad decision.”

That was the line that hooked me. And one I may have printed out on a sweatshirt.

From there I tumbled gently into the fantasy world of Tanyth Fairport, a older woman who’s been traveling around for 20 years, learning her craft, teaching others, and hoping for word of her son who got away from his abusive father as soon as possible.

Her backstory is one that unfolds along with the other characters she encounters, as the situation develops.

She travels alone, dresses in clothing that could be either gender, disguising herself on the road from those who would victimize a woman. That’s a perfect representation of her on the cover, with her metal tipped staff.

She has a goal to achieve. She wants to learn from one of the last Witches of the Woods before that woman dies. If Hermit of Lammas Wood will teach her. And she must reach there before the winter comes.

Of course, things will not go as planned. People will need help. And as Tanyth must decide whether to stay or go, we learn about the herbal remedies and medicines, communities, and religious rituals in a way that is real and meaningful. It’s built slowly and carefully grounded in these characters and their lives and beliefs.

And then comes the magic, seeping into the world and storylines on the wings of a Raven.

For a novel that was a slow start I was absolutely absorbed by the concept, characters and the journey that Tanyth was taking midway through. By the end I was sorry to see this stage end but excited for the next chapter to come.

I’m late to the writing of Nathan Lowell but I’m so impressed by the stories and worlds I’ve encountered.

Here’s one more recommendation I’m happy to share.

Tanyth Fairport Adventures (3 book series) :

Ravenwood #1

Zypheria’s Call #2

The Hermit of Lammas Wood #3

I wish I knew who did that amazing cover and artwork. That’s a perfect illustration of Tanyth on the road right down to her staff.

Buy link

Book 1 of 3: Tanyth Fairport Adventures

Blurb

You’re never too old to make a bad decision.

After twenty winters on the road, Tanyth Fairport makes one last pilgrimage in her quest to learn all she can about the herbs and medicinal plants of Korlay before settling down to write her magnum opus. Her journey is interrupted when she decides to help a small village and learns that much of what she knows of the world may not be quite as it seems.

Nathan Lowell blends wiccan tradition and shamanistic lore into a fantasy quest for a new – if unlikely – heroine. She learns that the familiar sometimes hides the fantastic and that, even when you think you’ve made your decisions, life doesn’t always agree.

Publisher

Durandus

Publication date

October 26, 2011

Language

‎English

Print length

382 pages

Book 1 of 3

Tanyth Fairport Adventures

Review: I Ran Away to Evil 3: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com by Mystic Neptune

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Well, I Ran Away to Evil has reached the final level, the end of its journey and it’s been a great game.

Here all is revealed, there’s boss battles, deaths and revivals, ultimate victory and HEA’s.

Now it’s Gerda Jones, fabulous bridge troll who’s got a ton of secrets, that will be the character to bring the series to a conclusion. Along with Duke Julian von Slyke, who’s recently retuned for the wedding of his sister to the necromancer of the Dark Lord.

At over 400 pages, author Neptune has a lot of storytelling to do. And there’s more of the GameRPG elements here than in the previous books.

I’ll be honest in saying that some of these got distracting when what I wanted to concentrate on was the main plot points and storylines. Having involved boxes of character traits and levels occasionally is great. But towards the end, I feel that it took over the narrative.

What makes this is the character development, especially Gerda’s story. The slow reveal of her story is impactful as well as her relationships she has made with the other characters around her. They feel believable and credible in this setting.

This has been the first series I have read by this author but won’t be the last. Highly entertaining and engaging.

A definite winner.

Love the covers.

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:

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

Blurb

A mysterious soothsayer and a reluctant royal fend off spies, assassins, and unexpected attraction in the action-packed third book of this romantasy series.

Gerda Jones is no average bridge troll. Sure, she can create riddles like the best of them, but she has skills up her sleeve that no one would expect . . . and a backstory that no one would believe. She uses her fortune-telling talents to change the fate of everyone around her, but avoids getting too close the anyone herself. All of that changes when Gerda catches the eye of Duke Julian von Slyke at his sister’s wedding. The tall, dark, and handsome half-elf is making her let down her guard—and inviting a royal heap of trouble into her life.

Julian would do anything to escape courtly intrigue and endless parties, but he can’t miss his own sister’s nuptials. Good thing, too, because from day one of the celebration he’s called on to help deal with everything from poisoned arrows and amphibian curses, to a missing bride. And at the center of every mishap there’s an infuriatingly beguiling troll . . .

As Gerda’s hidden identity begins to unravel, her attraction to Duke Julian continues to grow. Together, saving Valaria seems easy . . . but after it’s all done, will the unlikely pair be able to leave behind their pasts and find a future together?

A whimsical and twisty take on isekai, romance, and LitRPG, I Ran Away to Evil 3 is the charming conclusion of the series that asks, “What if Bridgerton was filled with magical creatures?” and “Who is the elusive Madame Potts?”

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

August 19, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

409 pages

Book 3 of 3

I Ran Away to Evil

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