Tag: Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended

Review:  The Dragon Who Loved Me (Dragon Kin Book 5) by G.A. Aiken

Rating: 4.5⭐️

It’s been a while since I read this series by G. A. Aiken aka Shelly Laurenston, a favorite author of mine, and I haven’t a clue why it’s been so long. Maybe because I was binging the other series (Honey badgers) of hers and my book budget was just getting out of hand but anyway I’m back and thrilled to be here. 

Once you’ve immersed yourself in the world of the Dragon Kin, it’s easy to slip right back into it. But you need to have read all the previous books first because none of these are standalone stories and build upon each other.

Rhona the Fearless, a great character among many strong women or female characters. In this case a dragon warrior who has been not only the one who has been the caretaker of her siblings, raising them in their warrior mother’s absence but a renowned warrior herself, who left her real passion behind for duty and family.

I love her. She’s a tremendous character and all her relationships are grounded in family and friendships, deeply rooted connections that the reader feels are vital to her and the story. 

Vigholf the Abhorrent (I really love their names) turns out to be an interesting and unique match for her. One of the Northlands dragons, a Lightning, he’s from the group we’ve known before. They are a rough, tough lot that’s already connected to Queen Annwyn. And with each new story, we get intriguing new additions to the growing fabric of dragons and magical humans that is the Dragon Kin overall series arc mystery.

The two together, as they adventured off on their mission, was a great dynamic. It introduces more of Rhona’s family history and actual current situation. Her dad, the lava dragon blacksmith, the triplets who are amazing in their own ways, it just came together in a very satisfying highly emotional fantasy tale. 

And sets up the next one nicely. 

Highly recommend reading this entire series. Binge it if you can.

Dragon Kin – 9 books complete series :

Dragon Actually #1

About A Dragon #2

What a Dragon Should Know #3

Last Dragon Standing #4

The Dragon Who Loved Me #5

How to Drive a Dragon Crazy #6

Light My Fire #7

Feel The Burn #8

Bring The Heat #9

Buy link

 Book 5 of 9: Dragon Kin 

Blurb 

“There’s never a dull moment with these dragons. Fighting! Mayhem! Danger! . . . a fun read” from the New York Times bestselling author (Vampire Book Club).

I was raised for battle. And as the first daughter of a warrior family, I’ve earned my reputation the hard way. Yet now I fight alongside uncivilized male Northland dragons who think a female is only good for breeding and waiting back home in the cave. But it’s the foolish and foolhardy who would try to stop me, Rhona the Fearless, from doing what I do best—destroying the enemies of my kind. 

So the smartest thing wily barbarian Vigholf the Abhorrent can do for me is stay out of my way as we risk all on a deadly mission in enemy territory. I don’t care if he’s fascinated by me, even though he is as attractive as he is resourceful. He’s having far too much fun putting me in difficult situations and testing my sense of duty to the limit. And I’m going to enjoy challenging his insufferable confidence, outwitting his schemes, and making him surrender in the wildest ways . . . 

Praise for the Dragon Kin Series

“Aiken’s patented mix of bloodthirsty action, crazy scenarios and hilarious dialogue have made this series a truly unique pleasure.”—RT Book Reviews (4½ Stars)

“A chest thumping, mead-hall rocking, enemy slaying brawl of a good book.”—All Things Urban Fantasy

Rating:  3.5🌈

This was a very hard book for me to rate because while I really delighted in this author’s world building and the diversity of the otherworldly creatures and elements of the story, the characters were the issues here.

One, Cinnamon ‘Cinn’ Saunders is  a character who shows depths of personality and layers related to his background as the story develops. Cinnamon,  definitely a doormat/enabler to a seriously addicted friend, is constantly surrendering his own future and safety to saving him again and again. How you view the author’s writing a character purposely so obtuse about another person’s character will determine whether you connect with Cinn.  Because he’s constantly forgiving people for their awful actions against him.

That goes for the other main character, Julien, a son of a wealthy French businessman , who is now part of the hidden government institution in Switzerland that houses and teaches those with special magical abilities, “the moteblessed”. Julien is the most problematic of characters for me.  While both have tragic histories, the author uses Julien’s  to excuse selfish, egocentric, and frankly, oafish behavior.  He has a goal that his other two friends, Elliot and Darcy, are aware of and are helping him to achieve. But it’s extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.

How he achieves it, who he uses, even though his friends warn him against certain actions, doesn’t matter or matter much. That’s a common refrain with Julien. He does what he wants. Others warn him of potential consequences. He thinks about it and does it anyway. And he’s forgiven over and over.  Because he has charisma. And a sad background. 

Yet he’s supposed to be a fantastic relatable main character and not a person with flags stuck all over his storyline. SMH

What is fantastic here is the system of magic, that “other dark world “ that’s so eerily similar to theirs but not. The fractured moon that hangs above a 1995 London writhing with sentient beings so dark and mysterious, and horrifying.  The motes, another intriguing creation, makes this book. Sentient? Just don’t know.

If I continue with the duology, it will be due to the magical realm and the dark realm that pulls me forward. Not the human characters. So probably not.

Book cover design by @the.ravens.touch with artwork by Olga Panfilova

Shadow and Light Duology:

The Shadows Beyond #1 

The Light Within #2

Buy link:

        The Shadows Beyond: An MM Urban Fantasy Romance (Shadow and Light Duology Book 1)

    

Blurb 

An action-packed MM romance duology featuring magic, mayhem, and two broken boys finding love. 

Cinnamon ‘Cinn’ Saunders thought he’d learnt to control his little ghost problem. 

That is, until the moment he brings back a malevolent spirit from the shadowrealm, and quickly finds himself unjustly arrested for the murder of four people.

After breaking free of foster care and a stint in juvie, all Cinn wanted to do was keep his head down and work his way up to become a professional chef. Now he’s forced to make a choice: life in jail, or allow a stranger to whisk him away to a mysterious institute in rural Switzerland with the promise of learning how to control his terrifying supernatural abilities.

Julien, the French charismatic charmer who is charged with warding over Cinn, also has a problem: the murder of his sister is still unsolved.

He needs help. Help that only Cinn can provide. He’ll do anything to get it, including making Cinn an offer that he can’t refuse. What Julien doesn’t expect out of the bargain is their undeniable connection, which only serves to complicate matters as they navigate uncharted territories together.

Between battling an uprising of deadly creatures that not only threaten the moteblessed community, but the entire planet, and fighting their ever-growing attraction, can this opposites-attract pair overcome their demons to save the world, and each other?

The Shadows Beyond is part 1 of an MM urban fantasy romance duology, and contains explicit content. Full content warnings can be found within the book and on the author’s website. The overarching plot continues into book 2, with the end of book 1 offering a ‘happy-for-now’ for the main characters.

  • ASIN: B0D1GW41WP
  • Publisher: (July 12, 2024)
  • Publication date: July 12, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 397 pages

Review:  A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga #1) by Melissa Blair

Rating:  4.25⭐️🌈

A Broken Blade, the first book in the completed The Halfling Saga by Melissa Blair, an indigenous writer from Canada, is a fascinating read.

It’s Blair’s first published novel and it’s a dark fantasy that features a bisexual woman protagonist, a Halfing, who’s as layered and realistic as I have read recently. 

Starting from the very first paragraph, the reader is drawn into a dark narrative because Keera, the King’s Blade or assassin is also a drunk who is losing her edge. 

She’s become a guilt ridden alcoholic, all the deaths of innocents she’s taken on the King’s orders, most her own people, Halflings who only wanted freedom from slavery haunting her in a very specific way. She’s self harming, a cutter. 

She’s also in charge of the Shades, a group of assassins of Halfling women, stolen as children and raised to become the monsters they are. 

In a dying fantasy world of humans who hate the Fae and Halfings (those who have Fae blood), all of the Halfings physically are owned by the King. 

Blair creates a realistic world where the poor are starving, lining the streets with their corpses while the King and his sadistic son live extremely well, shored up by his powerful assassins. 

Until an enemy known as the Shadow strikes against the King, and he sends his Blade to find him. 

This is a enemy to lovers dark fantasy with the main character having a strong tragic sapphic romantic backstory.  The main male character isn’t as well written as she is, and that impacts their dynamics. He’s always a lesser character and while he’s still a good one, this aspect of the story reduces the power of the relationship.

I found Keera a trapped and emotionally haunted character. She’s constantly trying to escape her surroundings only to find that those around her haven’t been truthful. 

Whether you as a reader find that is a betrayal to her or not is up to you. 

Who and what she actually is remains part of the series mystery.  It seems that it isn’t really revealed until the end. 

As the series is finished, I did skim over the descriptions of the next stories (I know, bad me), and Keera’s journey is anguished, filled with deep tragedy, and relapse. Some people weren’t happy with the ending. 

Was it dark? That would make sense because Keera actually said she should pay for the deaths of the innocent victims. 

I don’t know. But as tough a read as this might be, I’ll probably continue reading. The main character is real and damaged by her choices.  I’ll see her out. 

Is this a series for you? There’s trigger warnings plenty. SA, torture, self harm, violence, alcohol abuse, and other issues. So only you can make the decision. 

The Halfling Saga:

A Broken Blade #1

A Shadow Crown #2

A Vicious Game #3

An Honored Vow #4

Buy link

 Book 1 of 4: The Halfling Saga 

Blurb 

My body is made of scars,

some were done to me,

but most I did to myself. 

 

Keera is a killer. As the King’s Blade, she is the most talented spy in the kingdom. And the king’s favored assassin. When a mysterious figure moves against the Crown, Keera is called upon to hunt down the so-called Shadow. She tracks her target into the magical lands of the Fae, but Faeland is not what it seems . . . and neither is the Shadow. Keera is shocked by what she learns, and can’t help but wonder who her enemy truly is: the King that destroyed her people or the Shadow that threatens the peace?

 

As she searches for answers, Keera is haunted by a promise she made long ago, one that will test her in every way. To keep her word, Keera must not only save herself, but an entire kingdom.

 

Fans of fast-paced high fantasy such as A Court of Thorns and Roses series, The Inadequate Heir, and From Blood and Ash author Jennifer L. Armentrout, will enjoy the fierce female characters, sapphic representation, and fantasy romance of A Broken Blade.

Publisher

Union Square & Co.

Publication date

August 2, 2022

Language

‎English

Print length

439 pages

Book 1 of 4

The Halfling Saga

Review:  Hunt the Stars (Starlight’s Shadow Book 1) by Jessie Mihalik

Rating: 4.5⭐️

This is the second series I’ve read by Jessie Mihalik and I find I’m actually enjoying it better. The world building is excellent and well laid out, it’s less Regency in space and more galactic exploration/ based, which suits me. 

And while the “alien race “ isn’t all that alien, Mihalik has given a “theory” that’s accepted for the similarity of physicality of species. 

This series takes place after a horrific galactic war between two species, humans and Valoffs. The main characters, Captain Octavia “Tavy “ Zarola, Eli, and Kee are all that’s left of their special military team , now living aboard their spaceship. 

As veterans, each carrying their own nightmares, PTSD, from the war, the characters are engaging and relatable as a found family unit. Especially with their burbu, the animal they rescued while deployed. 

When their former enemy comes in need of their assistance for a mission, old memories return as well as new relationships that are forged.

The Valoffs aren’t as strong an element as a whole. We don’t get a cultural or historical background on them, so as a people they are hard to grasp. Individually, they are characters that grow as events happen and relationships develop.

The stories are strong, the characters greatly expand into new areas of growth and it’s a fast paced series that’s entertaining and romantically a little spicy. 

Tavy and Torran’s story is filled with adventures and battles and great moments. I love it. 

Another winner. 

Starlight’s Shadow :

Hunt the Stars #1

Eclipse the Moon #2

Capture the Sun #3

Buy link

 Book 1 of 3: Starlight’s Shadow 

Blurb 

Octavia Zarola would do anything to keep her tiny, close-knit bounty hunting crew together—even if it means accepting a job from Torran Fletcher, a ruthless former general and her sworn enemy. When Torran offers her enough credits to not only keep her crew afloat but also hire

someone to fix her ship, Tavi knows that she can’t refuse—no matter how much she’d like to.

With so much money on the line, Torran and his crew insist on joining the hunt. Tavi reluctantly agrees because while the handsome, stoic leader pushes all of her buttons—for both anger and desire—she’s endured worse, and the massive bonus payment he’s promised for a completed job is reason enough to shut up and deal.

But when they uncover a deeper plot that threatens the delicate peace between humans and Valoffs, Tavi suspects that Torran has been using her as the impetus for a new war. With the fate of her crew balanced on a knife’s edge, Tavi must decide where her loyalties lie—with the quiet Valoff who’s been lying to her, or with the human leaders who left her squad to die on the battlefield. And this time, she’s put her heart on the line.

Publisher

Harper Voyager

Publication date

February 1, 2022

Language

‎English

Print length

428 pages

Book 1 of 3

Starlight’s Shadow

Space opera, science fiction romance, 

Review:  Aurora Blazing (The Consortium Rebellion Book 2) by Jessie Mihalik

Rating: 4⭐️

The daughters of the House of High House von Hasenberg fall in the order of Hannah, Bianca, Ada, and youngest daughter Catarina. There are two brothers, the oldest brother and heir, Ferdinand, and Bianca’s twin brother, Benedict.

All the siblings have roles here in Aurora Blazing, the second book in The Consortium Rebellion series.  The main focus is on Bianca con Hasenberg, her traumatic experiences upon her wedding Gerald at the command of her father, and its recuperation afterwords. And her frenemy, Ian Bishop, the director of House von Hasenberg security. 

Through Bianca, we learn, what a horror it is growing up under their father’s absolute control and authority. While the reader has been given a hint of the abuse the siblings have suffered, here through a horrific memory recalled, we get the picture of a cold blooded man who sees only submission or brutal punishment for those who don’t obey. No feeling only fear. 

Then once married, Bianca ended up suffering as a non consenting experimental subject to her own husband’s scientific experiments suffering greatly. Only after his death was she able to return home, permanently changed for life and hiding what he’d done to her. 

The revelations are shocking and constant here. The author is filling in family and characters backgrounds as well as world building with the major Houses. 

And it comes with another heartbreaking crisis for the siblings. Ferdinand is missing. 

Because of their upbringing, they are close to each other, knowing that they are their only source of support and love. That’s beautifully written and illustrated in every aspect of their dynamic.

Bianca is a layered, well defined woman who’s still dealing with the trauma of her marriage and the damage done to her body and spirit. She’s now carries unheard of abilities in her mind, ones only she knows about. But they come at a high physical cost which she must monitor and explain away.  

It’s all folded into a high level suspense filled with, action packed story, one that carries emotional baggage and endless painful moments to fill a starship. 

There’s also a slow burn relationship between Bianca and Ian Bishop, where frisson, lack of trust and their own past makes them work against each other at every step.

 

While I enjoyed Polaris Rising, I feel that Aurora Blazing was the better book. More layers and character development. 

A third sister has the next story. That’s Catarina. Im headed there.

A definite winner and another recommendation!

Oh, and Aoife and Alexander ? Love them both and they are featured in Chaos Reigning! 

The Consortium Rebellion (3 book series)

Polaris Rising #1

Aurora Blazing #2

Chaos Reigning #3

Buy link

        Aurora Blazing: A Space Princess’s Quest for Family and Love in a Sci-Fi Galaxy of Secrets and Intrigue (The Consortium Rebellion Book 2)

    

Blurb 

To save her brother and protect her family’s future, a powerful princess must join forces with a dashing man from her past in this thrilling space adventure, the second novel in the Consortium Rebellion trilogy.

As the dutiful daughter of High House von Hasenberg, Bianca set aside her personal feelings and agreed to a political match arranged by her family, only to end up trapped in a loveless, miserable marriage. When her husband unexpectedly dies, Bianca vows never to wed again. Newly independent, she secretly uses her wealth and influence to save other women stuck in dire circumstances. Information is power and Bianca has a network of allies and spies that would be the envy of the ’verse—if anyone knew about it.

When her family’s House is mysteriously attacked, Bianca’s oldest brother, the heir to House von Hasenberg, disappears. Fearful for her brother’s life, the headstrong Bianca defies her father and leaves Earth to save him. Ian Bishop, the director of House von Hasenberg security—and Bianca’s first love—is ordered to find and retrieve the rebellious woman. 

Ian is the last man Bianca wants to see. To evade capture, she leads him on a merry chase across the universe. But when their paths finally collide, she knows she must persuade him to help her. Bianca will do anything to save her sibling, even if it means spending time alone on a small ship with the handsome, infuriating man who once broke her heart.

As the search takes them deep into rival House Rockhurst territory, Bianca must decide if she can trust Ian with the one piece of information that could destroy her completely . . .

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:  Trades & Treaties: The Glyphwright Chronicles Book 3 by Jeremy Fabiano 

Rating: 4.75⭐️

What a fantastic piece of fantasy storytelling! This is one of my favorite series and Fabiano has become a autobuy based on the superiority of his work on this series.

It’s not often I find myself reading novels that I find just so satisfying on multiple levels that I can recommend to many ages of readers, but this author and series is one of them. 

I mean how often do you hear someone say that a writer has made math, precision, economics, and the basics of trade absolutely gripping and part of a fascinating magical system and storyline? Fabiano does this time and again here and throughout the series.  

He’s building systems and exploring new areas just like his characters, Marcus and Felix, have been building up in skills and abilities for their craft and innovation. 

And as with new areas, new challenges and opportunities for growth and innovation. 

Drama too. With Prince Adrian and his two bodyguards, a mysterious Kingdom and its ruler of a nearby country in need, and a political crisis that needs the help of our two Glyphwrights, this is a quietly mesmerizing tale.

I did think the ending resolution was either exactly right or too quick. I’m thinking about it still. 

I do love how each book ends with every one returning home, watching as their beloved small town comes into view, knowing that each one they love will be waiting for them. And a new future will emerge. 

It’s lovely and warmhearted. Exactly what we want for these characters we’ve come to care for. 

None of these stories are standalone books but build upon the one before. 

I highly recommend reading them all. Excellent work and fantastic storytelling. 

A highly recommended read. Just amazing work by the author. 

Cover design by Jacqueline Sweet Design

The Glyphwright Chronicles (4 book series):

  • Ink & Intent  #1
  • Wards & Measures #2
  • Trades & Treaties #3 
  • Vision & Venture #4 – April 8,2026

Buy link:

        Trades & Treaties: The Glyphwright Chronicles – Book 3

    

Blurb 

Marcus thought infrastructure work was complicated. Then someone made it political.

The Northern Kingdoms ask for help with their failing ward networks. Prince Adrian volunteers Fairwind & Penwright for the job: redesign everything to work with local materials instead of expensive imports. Except the imports aren’t expensive by accident. Someone’s price-gouging essential supplies, and they don’t want competition.

Marcus’s merchant instincts see the pattern: economic sabotage wrapped in a supply chain monopoly. When Prince Adrian gets kidnapped, the technical work becomes the easy part.

One job. Two skill sets. And finally, a payout big enough to buy their own shop.

A cozy fantasy with LitRPG progression, economic intrigue, unexpected rescues, and the discovery that sometimes your merchant skills matter just as much as your magic.

Pour yourself something warm, settle into your favorite reading spot, and discover that sometimes fixing the magic is simpler than fixing the people.

February 8, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

454 pages

Book 3 of 6

The Glyphwright Chronicles

Review: There Be Dragons Here: A Cozy Fantasy Adventure (Tales of Aedrea) by S.L. Rowland

Rating:5⭐️

My reading stars have been aligned lately because There Be Dragons Here by S.L. Rowland is the third stellar book by an undiscovered author in a fantasy genre that I’ve read in a row and I’m just overjoyed to with my reading lucky stars.

This is a side story to the Tales of Aedrea series of four fantasy novels, so I also have an additional world to meander through. I’m so excited.

But let’s start with this book, an amazing emotional journey of friendship, loyalty, and rediscovery of one’s inner fire. 

Hilda Rockfall, 182 years old, grandmother, mother, beloved wife. But once, for 70 years she was renowned throughout the world as a Ranger in the Stone & Splendor adventurer group, a tight found family of four beings, who fought and explored together. Until she retired and married, putting that life behind her. 

Now a funeral calls her away from home and leaves her the last remaining member of her group. 

I love this book and Hilda so much. Her grief in losing her old friend, the journey his last quest takes her on. The stories that she tells, the people who she meets, and the inner person she rediscovers along this tortuous path, so inspiring. 

And yes, there be dragons. 

So many fantastic stories here. Memorable scenes, heartbreaking moments. And there’s war goats. Amazing!

This is one that’s both shiny and beautiful, a gem to treasure.

 I’m highly recommending it. 

Beautiful cover and stunning maps!

 Cover design by Brent Minehan 

Map by CartographyBird Maps

Tales of Aedrea (4 books):

Cursed Cocktails 

Sword & Thistle 

The Halfling’s Harvest

 There Be Dragons Here

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThere Be Dragons Here: A Cozy Fantasy Adventure (Tales of Aedrea) eBook

Blurb 

At 182 years old, Hilda Rockfall thought her adventuring days were long behind her.

For over seventy years, she roamed the realm as a ranger with the adventuring party Stone & Splendor—taking quests, slaying beasts, and collecting monster teeth like trophies from the boundless sea to the edge of the wilds. But for the past eight decades, she’s traded her sword for slippers, living the quiet life of a proud grandmother nestled in the mountains, telling tales no one quite believes and baking a mean honey crumble.

That peace is shattered when an old friend—and former party member—passes on and leaves Hilda one final quest: scatter his ashes at a secret location marked on a map they looted back in their glory days.

Hilda figures it’ll be a nice little hike. Maybe a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

But then she opens the map.

And scrawled across the bottom in faded ink are four unsettling words:

There be dragons here.

About the Series: Welcome to the enchanting world of Tales of Aedrea, where small-scale stories, low-stakes adventure, and cozy fantasy come to life within an epic, high-fantasy realm. Each tale can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

There Be Dragons Here is a cozy, low-stakes fantasy of family dynamics, friendship, and proving that it’s never too late to find adventure. Perfect for fans of The Hobbit and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

Publisher

Aethervale Publishing

Publication date

January 20, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

290 pages

Part of series

Tales of Aedrea

Review:  Bubble Gum and Blackmail (Cadie Sharp #1) by S. E. Babin

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Turns out I’m a magpie reader. Find an author that I like and I dive right into their catalog of books and series. 

That’s both a blessing and a curse for certain prolific writers like S.E. Babin, in the middle of writing a terrific urban fantasy thriller. She’s got a couple of series that haven’t seen new releases in a while, fabulous ones. Something I should probably check when picking up a book from her.

But Bubble Gum and Blackmail (Cadie Sharp #1 by S. E. Babin was just too shiny! I absolutely love the premise of a military black op, forced into retirement, who turns candy maker in a small town in Tennessee. 

She’s the antithesis of fitting in, with her pink hair, pink delivery van, and attitude that’s just a bit more than a mere candy shop owner. Especially when a favorite elderly customer’s son is murdered and she’s asked for help. 

The characters are tightly crafted, the town’s spot on for its location, all the residents and the community interactions feel real for that small town dynamic. 

Even that Sheriff with his suspicions, isn’t a one dimensional character. There’s layers to him, some funny. 

It’s a short novel, which had me crying. Because it ended on a surprise note. Which had me checking out the release date. 2021. And no mention of future stories as yet. 

So are you a magpie reader like me? Cause this is so so shiny! I’m not sorry I collected it. Even if there’s nothing more. 

But if not maybe find something else to read that will bring closure to the characters and check on this every now and again. 

Love that cover. 

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comBubble Gum and Blackmail (A Cadie Sharp Mystery Book 1) eBook : Babin, S.E.

Blurb 

Book overview 

Part Stephanie Plum, part Brooklyn Nine-Nine, readers will adore this novella length introduction to Cadie Sharp and her merry band of misfit friends. 

Military vet, former assassin … candy maker?!

All Cadie Sharp wants is a quiet life. After a case gone wrong, she leaves the military and heads to small-town Tennessee, far away from the dangers of her former life, and opens up a gourmet treats shop. 

But just as she begins to settle into her new role as a shop owner, the bodies start dropping. 

During a routine candy delivery, Cadie stumbles over the lifeless form of one of her best customers. She’s trained to handle situations like this, but her former superiors have given her one rule for her new life.

Do not do ANYTHING to draw attention to yourself.

Faced with a moral dilemma, Cadie tries to quietly investigate without blowing her carefully crafted cover. With her newfound friends and a slobbering dog who won’t leave her side, Cadie finds herself drawn into a mystery – one with dire consequences if she fails to discover the murderer before they discover her. 

date

March 4, 2021

Language

‎English

Print length

82 pages

Book 1 of 1

A Cadie Sharp Myster

Review:  The Inn Side Shop: A Cozy LitRPG Adventure (The Inn Side Shop Series Book 1) by Gil Hess

Rating: 4.75⭐️

Well, this book is just so outstanding. I’m still thinking about it.

You never know when you pick up a book from an author you’re not familiar with based on the cover (love it) and story description. But what a fabulously magical and compelling journey Gil Hess sent me and his character, Wren Alder,  into for the first book in this series.

What do I deeply love and admire about this book and Hess’s writing? Its subtlety and simplicity of language, beautifully crafted in a way that’s both remarkable, poetic and yet able to convey the essence of the characters and situations. The awe of a magical moment to the sublimely silly scenes of a found family letting of their emotions. We are there with them, especially Wren, as he struggles with his new life and sense of duty. As a very special young man. 

That’s another element here. A feeling of historic accuracy in a magical world. Where teenagers and preteens were already in “adult mode” because that’s how that life drew on people. Grow up fast, used up fast, die faster. So having a character like Stella, as bookkeeper, at the old age of 18? Perfect because she’s been learning that trade since she was much younger. It feels believable and Stella feels real, older than her age, worn, and layered in her knowledge and reliability. All the characters have this same energy, this deep sense of realism that makes them so relatable and emotionally able to relate to the world and story. 

The plot is compelling in itself, has multiple storylines that makes it interesting, emotionally intriguing and suspenseful. Especially when you consider how the author started his story. With a daunting prologue that puts a shadow over the rest of the story. 

Do not let this slow you down! Proceed immediately through!

Categorized, accurately, as a cozy fantasy LitRPG adventure story, the LitRPG aspect of the novel is minimal at best. And that will help for those readers who aren’t familiar with LitRPG stories (Literary Role-Playing Game where a character can level up, see stats, have quests is fused with a fantasy or scify storyline) can happily be engaged in this remarkable narrative and enjoy that aspect without relying too heavily on gamer knowledge. 

What makes The Inn Side Shop a great success, and truly riveting fantasy adventure is Wren, his story, his ability to create a found family among his new community’s struggles and and how he’s stays true to himself and the values that he brings with him. This is an absolute gem. Honestly I found myself in tears in places, so raw in the moment and emotional scenes that I was caught up in the moment.

There is mention of a sequel but I can’t find it anywhere.  Perhaps it in progress.  This was a long book although it doesn’t seem like it. 

Among my top findings this year. One I think should find a place next to the bed if people ask you to read to them. Choose this!

Highly recommended!

Buy link

 Book 1 of 1: The Inn Side Shop Series 

Blurb 

The Inn Side Shop

A Cozy LitRPG Adventure by Gil Hess

Fourteen-year-old Wren Alder never planned to be an adventurer. He just wanted a place to tinker in peace. But when his great-aunt hands him the key to a forgotten supply room at the Crossroads—a sleepy outpost perched between dungeons, cities, and the deep wild—Wren inherits more than a dusty shop.

Because this shop… levels up.

Each sale unlocks new features. Each discovery stirs old magic. A ledger learns to write back. A dungeon wakes beneath the roots. And a boy who thought he wanted quiet finds purpose in the chaos of travelers, quests, and growing friendships.

Heartfelt, clever, and brimming with quiet wonder, The Inn Side Shop blends cozy fantasy with the satisfying progression of a LitRPG—perfect for readers who love slow-burn worldbuilding, endearing characters, and magic that feels just within reach.

Tide Pool Storyworks

Publication date

October 15, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

762 pages

Book 1 of 1

The Inn Side Shop Series

Review:Beast Business by Ilona Andrews

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Beast Business is a great side story from the remarkable Hidden Legacy urban fantasy universe created by Ilona Andrews (husband and wife author team Ilona and Gordon Andrews). 

It features several important characters from those stories who have been around in lesser known but still impactful roles. Here they are elevated to the main character status and given the same attention as their counterparts, from their backgrounds to current situations in their lives.

For me this is an absolute gem because of each character’s power and abilities. We had no idea of the depth and complexity of each type and what it meant for that person as an individual. Growing up and as an adult.

We still don’t. Which makes this even more intriguing.

Augustine Montgomery is an Illusion Prime, head of House Montgomery and the company MII. He’s been a constant presence in the Hidden Legacy universe, sometimes as an antagonist then as a supporter and ally/best friend of the main Houses of the series and. He’s highly feared and complicated. 

Diana Harrison is a Beast Prime, a little known power and head of House Harrison, a House aligned with House Rogan and House Baylor. 

Diana comes to Augustine with a job, one born of desperation. 

The action filled suspense story is incredible. Full of magically powerful scenes of imaginative bottles, emotions and new insights into the characters and their powers and backgrounds.

It also gives us new details on other characters equally important to us and the universe, ones new and already familiar to us. 

The only reason I rated I lower was it’s an open ending. This storyline is resolved but the relationship between Diana and Augustine is really just about to begin. And now I need so much more.

But the authors have a new release coming out soon ,This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Maggie the Undying Book 1), and released previously ,The Inheritance, the first fantastic book in their new (yes another) series The Breach Wars). I really, really, want a sequel to The Inheritance (Breach Wars Book 1) now. 

I don’t know how they do it.

That’s three completely different worlds and three completely different series. 

All of which, except for Maggie which obviously I haven’t read yet, I recommend. Because no arcs here I just buy my books. 

Here’s another recommendation! And frustration! You can thank me! 

Cover Art by Helena Elias

Hidden Legacy (6 book series)

Burn For Me #1

White Hot #2

Wildfire #3

Sapphire Flames #3

Emerald Blaze #4

Ruby Fire #6

Side Story:

Beast Business 

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comBeast Business – Andrews, Ilona: Kindle Store

Blurb 

A thrilling novella by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews, set in the spellbinding Hidden Legacy World.

Show as little as possible. Make them think that illusion is all you have. Your life depends on it.

Augustine Montgomery is an Illusion Prime, the highest rank of magic user. The people who have seen his real face can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The people who’ve witnessed the full extent of his power are dead. Illusion isn’t just his brand of magic. It’s become his lifestyle.

One day Diana Harrison walks into the office of Augustine’s premier PI corporation. Diana is also a Prime, a mage who bonds with animals through her magic and prefers their company to humans. Something precious has been stolen from House Harrison. Something Diana must recover at all costs before it perishes.

Augustine is cold, rational, and calculating. He doesn’t get emotionally involved, but something about Diana disturbs the careful balance of Augustine’s inner world. She asks for his help, and he can’t refuse.

Neither Augustine nor Diana are who they appear to be. Both would die to keep their secrets. But the enemy they face is unimaginably powerful, and saving the life at risk will demand the ultimate price, one neither ever expected to pay – complete honesty.

date

January 29, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

214 pages

Romance urban fantasy