Review: Forged in Fire and Stars

Title: Forged in Fire and Stars

Author: Andrea Robertson

Narrator: Amy Shiels

Audio Length: 11hr 29min

Rating: 2.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Ara has always known about the legend of the Loresmith: the blacksmith who served alongside the

kings and queens of every generation to protect the kingdom. It was her fate to inherit the title–though

she never truly believed it would come to pass since the monarchy’s downfall years before.

Thoughts:

 A slow build with very little payoff. I loved the idea of a loresmith but I don't believe this was

executed well. While it is the start of a series to have no connection to characters made it hard

to push to the end of the novel.

I did buy this based on IG posts but i think there was hype surrounding it based on the

comparisons to bigger named titles. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Sisters of Sword and Song

Title: Sisters of Sword and Song

Author: Rebecca Ross

Page Count: 432

Rating: 4/5

My review is based on an advanced copy received from Edelweiss, in no way does this affect my opinions.

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

After eight long years, Evadne will finally be reunited with her older sister, Halcyon, who has

been proudly serving in the queen’s army. But when Halcyon appears earlier than expected,

Eva knows something has gone terribly wrong. Halcyon is on the run, hunted by her

commander and charged with murder.

Thoughts:

A Standalone fantasy compared to three of my top reads made this hard to live up to.

I wish publishers would stop pitching books based on other authors' novels.

I was just discussing how YA Fantasy needs more family dynamics in a

healthy way.

I`m thankful this one has to do with Sisterhood. I have two incredible

“adopted” sisters in my life and even when we fight/ argue we always

have each others backs.Greece is one of the places I hope to visit in

2021 so I really enjoyed a book set in the location. I did enjoy this

more than Queen`s Rising. You can tell the author has grown in her

writing style and pacing.

Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to what else Rebecca comes up with.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: The Glamourist

Title: The Glamourist

Author: Luanna G. Smith

Narrator: Susannah Jones

Page Count: 285

Audio Length: 9hr 28min

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Abandoned as a child in turn-of-the-century Paris, Yvette Lenoir has longed to

uncover the secrets of her magical heritage and tap her suppressed powers.

But what brave and resourceful Yvette has done to survive the streets has

made her a fugitive.

Thoughts:

Diving back into the world of Vine Witch was something I didn't know I wanted.

A world of Wine and Witches. This was a quick read switching back and forth

between my review copy and the audio book. This was very character driven

and I wasn`t invested in Yvette like I was with Elena. This suffers a bit of book

two syndrome which makes it a bit rough.

Overall I enjoyed the book but nothing stood out to be as memorable as book one. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Seasons of the Storm

Title: Seasons of the Storm

Author: Elle Cosimano

Page Count: 480pgs

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

One cold, crisp night, Jack Sommers was faced with a choice—live forever according

to the ancient, magical rules of Gaia, or die.

Jack chose to live, and in exchange, he became a Winter—an immortal physical embodiment

of the season on Earth. Every year, he must hunt the Season who comes before him.

Summer kills Spring.

Autumn kills Summer.

Winter kills Autumn.

And Spring kills Winter.

Thoughts:

I`m a fan of the term show me don`t tell me. The romance here is all tell and no

show sadly. I wanted a Jack Frost type story or so I thought unfortunately this

one just didn't fit the bill.

I did enjoy the lore of the seasons and how the second half of the story was

better paced. The hunt itself was a little odd but I could see how it was

needed to fit into the storyline.

Overall I'm hopeful for the potential of another book but I won't be making

it a priority. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Court of Miracles

Title: Court of Miracles

Author: Kester Grant

Narrator: Ajjaz Awad , John Lee 

Page Count: 464pgs

Audio Length:10hr 5min

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

In the violent urban jungle of an alternate 1828 Paris, the French Revolution has

failed and the city is divided between merciless royalty and nine underworld criminal

guilds, known as the Court of Miracles.

Thoughts:

The Court of Miracles is a mix of underground politics and choosing true family over

blood. I adored the setting of an alternate Paris if the revolution failed. My connection

with Nina was a slow build but I appreciated her passion. A hard part for me was the

timeline, it seemed only days had passed for some events but others time jumped

ahead a year. That part was the most difficult part to follow.

Overall the story line of a new revolution and destroying a corrupt society was right up my alley.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: House of Dragons

Title: House of Dragons

Author: Jessica Cluess

Page Count: 448

Rating:

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

When the Emperor dies, the five royal houses of Etrusia attend the Call, where one of

their own will be selected to compete for the throne. It is always the oldest child, the one

who has been preparing for years to compete in the Trial. But this year is different.

Thoughts:

The beginning was predictable but I do enjoy a good dragon book. This helped put me back

into a fantasy mood and out of my sci-fi kick. Each household has a weak point as well as a

strength, the biggest mistake is picking a favorite too early. Has a lot og Game of Thrones

vibes so my expectations of murder adn subterfuge was pretty high. I'm curious where book

two will lead us.

The stakes get higher in the second half of the book and some twists I didn't see coming.

Emelia is my favorite contender but Jessica writes a good villain in Hyperia. Ajax is the

most personable character and I look forward to seeing him change. Five POVs is

a lot to manage yet somehow this works for the linear story line.

Overall I recommend this if you`re wanting a little dragon in your life.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Ashlords

Title: Ashlords

Author: Scott Reintgen

Narrator: Rebecca Soler, Andrew Eiden, Lauren Fortgang, Neil Hellegers

Audio Length: 10hr 5min 

Rating: 1.5/5 (DNF @ 22%)

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Every year since the Ashlords were gifted phoenix horses by their gods,

they've raced them. First into battle, then on great hunts, and finally for the pure

sport of seeing who rode the fastest. Centuries of blood and fire carved their

competition into a more modern spectacle: The Races.

Thoughts:

This is a prime example of judging a book by its cover and short synopsis.

I was excited about a YA book comparable to Scorpio Races. This felt so flat for

me that I couldn`t push through. No fault of the narrators since I've listened to other

books narrated by them.

Maybe I missed the hype train on this one and others will like it but it just wasn't for me.

Felt like very little character development even 20% in. I had no connection to the race

or racers. In fact the race itself didn't seem to matter. No one seemed to care what was

being raced, horses, bikes, birds who knew.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Bonds of Brass

Title: Bonds of Brass

Author: Emily Skrutskie

Page Count: 304

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Ettian's life was shattered when the merciless Umber Empire invaded his world.

He's spent seven years putting himself back together under its rule, joining an

Umber military academy and becoming the best pilot in his class. Even better,

he's met Gal - his exasperating and infuriatingly enticing roommate who's made the

academy feel like a new home.

But when dozens of classmates spring an assassination plot on Gal, a devastating

secret comes to light:

Thoughts:

Space, Pilots and a handsome set of characters...yes please. Ettian Nassum is my

style of character. He is loyal and intelligent even when he makes bad choices he

owns up to the mistakes. Gal Veres is the charming goofball trying to get by and not

be noticed too much.

I originally started this as a month long readathon with the publisher but I just couldn't

put it down. Stopping every eight chapters was too hard so I just made little notes for

the chats.

I will say the ending was a surprise and I look forward to seeing where the next book

takes us. Emily`s writing style has only improved since her first novel back in 2016.

TTFN,

Ashley

 

Review: Aurora Burning

Title: Aurora Burning

Author: Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

Narrator: Kim Mai Guest, Johnathan McClain, Lincoln Hoppe,

Donnabella Mortel, Jonathan Todd Ross, Erin Spencer, Steve West

Audio Length: 15hr 16min

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Spoilers Ahead this is Book Two

First, the bad news: An ancient evil - you know, your standard

consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal - is about to be unleashed. The good news?

Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They've just got to take care of a few

small distractions first.

Like the clan of gremps who'd like to rearrange their favorite

faces.

And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be,

who'll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri.

 

Thoughts:

Squad 312 is coming in hot and the excitement starts right where Aurora Rising ended.

With the cliffhanger we are left with. It's a good thing there is a third book. The audio is

addictive and hard to pause. Aurora will always be a powerhouse that keeps the squad

moving but each crew member has their assets.

The crew has been through one hell of a ride and it is truly hard to think everyone will

make it out the other end alive and safe. This is one I will have to relisten to so I can

catch all the things I missed the first time around. There is action...oh so much action

and a huge twist I sort of maybe saw coming.

Highly recommend these lovely sci-fi books.

 

TTFN,
Ashley

Review: Seven Endless Forests

Title: Seven Endless Forests

Author: April Genevieve Tuchoke

Narrator: Sophie Amoss

Page Count: 330

Audio Length:8hr 43min

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

On the heels of a devastating plague, Torvi’s sister, Morgunn is stolen from the family

farm by Uther, a flame-loving Fremish wolf-priest who leads a pack of ragged,

starving girls. Torvi leaves the only home she’s ever known, and joins a

shaven-skulled druid and a band of roaming Elsh artists known as the Butcher Bards.

They set out on a quest to rescue Torvi’s sister, and find a mythical sword.

I received an ARC via Netgalley this in no way affects my thoughts in any way.

Thoughts:

There has to be more to this story so much left even after the epilogue. Having the

Boneless Mercies be a historical tale that Torvi talks about was a pretty interesting

take. The novel though short is fast paced and full of friendships that can last a lifetime.

Sacrifices are made for the greater good even if the good doesn't seem worth it. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

Title: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

Author: Roseanne A. Brown

Page Count: 480

Rating:3.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and

start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a

vengeful spirit abducts his younger sister, Nadia, as payment to enter the city,

Malik strikes a fatal deal - kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for

Nadia’s freedom.

But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own

Thoughts:

Solstasia is a festival I would like to attend to watch..not participate in. Malik has

an old soul for such a young boy. His life hasn't always been the easiest and now

it's up to him to save his youngest sister and keep his family together. Karina has

lost an awful lot prior to the book starting as well as the first five chapters. Now it's

her time to show the world how deadly she truly is.

The pacing had a bit of info dumping in the beginning but as with fantasies the

information was needed. I enjoyed the Aladdin type vibe Karina created with the

marriage gamble. There is a fair amount of character growth but the plot had a

predictable theme.

I did like seeing characters that suffer with migraines and anxiety. It helped to

see parts of me in the story even if I`m not the intended audience. 

TTFN,

Ashley