Review: Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith

Title: Predatory Natures

Author: Amy Goldsmith

Genre: YA, horror

Publication date: July 2025

Published by: Delacorte Press

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: A teen girl’s dream job aboard a luxury train derails when she discovers the strange cargo being transported—a mysterious and beautiful greenhouse—but its flowering façade may hide deadly thorns beneath, in this atmospheric and lush novel from the author of Those We Drown.

When Lara Williams gets a summer job aboard the luxury train the Banebury, she thinks she’s landed a five-star escape from her past. Even after she learns that her ex-friend Rhys, who she definitely did not have feelings for before their relationship imploded, is one of her coworkers, she’s determined to make things work.

But on the first day of their journey, the trip takes a strange turn. Two mysterious carriages filled with an array of beautiful and rare plants are attached to the Banebury in the middle of the night.

And with them comes a pair of siblings. Wealthy, mysterious, and charismatic, Gwen and Gwydion claim the plants they’re transporting are for research, but Lara can’t shake the feeling that there’s something . . . otherworldly about the strange blooms. Something that will stop at nothing to ensure the Banebury never reaches its destination.

Soon Lara will learn: You can’t outrun your troubles. You have to grab them by their roots. And if she can’t unearth the secrets of the Banebury, they might drag her down for good. . . .

My rating: ★★★★☆

I really enjoyed this book! One of the first things that caught my attention was the setting of the book: on a train! That’s so fun! I hardly read books set on trains! That, plus the fact that there was a potentially killer garden onboard? I was IN!

Review: Five Broken Blades (The Broken Blades #1) by Mai Corland

Title: Five Broken Blades

Series: The Broken Blades #1

Author: Mai Corland

Genre: Adult, high fantasy

Publication date: May 2024

Published by: Entangled: Red Tower Books

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: It’s the season
for treason…

The king of Yusan must die.

The five most dangerous liars in the land have been mysteriously summoned to work together for a single objective: to kill the God King Joon.

He has it coming. Under his merciless immortal hand, the nobles flourish, while the poor and innocent are imprisoned, ruined…or sold.

And now each of the five blades will come for him. Each has tasted bitterness―from the hired hitman seeking atonement, a lovely assassin who seeks freedom, or even the prince banished for his cruel crimes. None can resist the sweet, icy lure of vengeance.

They can agree on murder.

They can agree on treachery.

But for these five killers―each versed in deception, lies, and betrayal―it’s not enough to forge an alliance. To survive, they’ll have to find a way to trust each other…but only one can take the crown.

Let the best liar win.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I really loved the concept of this book! Just a group of characters with different characters coming together to achieve a mutual goal: kill the king. I’m such a sucker for that sort of stuff!

Review: Lost Coastlines (Five Ghosts Vol. 2) by Frank J. Barbiere

Title: Lost Coastlines

Series: Five Ghosts Vol. 2

Previous book in this series: The Haunting of Fabian Gray

Author: Frank J. Barbiere

Illustrator: Chris Mooneyham

Genre: Adult, comic book, fantasy

Publication date: July 2014

Published by: Image Comics

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: In 'Lost Coastlines', Fabian joins his old flame Jezebel on a trip across the sea to Japan and the mythical Island of Dreams. On their perilous journey they'll encounter pirates and a dark shadow from Fabian's past.

My rating: ★★★☆☆

In this volume, Fabian and Sebastian continue trying to find a way to bring back Silvia. Specifically, they head to an island in search of dreamstone, because that might be the key to bringing her back.

Review: We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

Title: We Used to Live Here

Author: Marcus Kliewer

Genre: Adult, horror

Publication date: June 2024

Published by: Atria/Emily Bestler Books

Source: Borrwed from library

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Synopsis: As a young, queer couple who flip houses, Charlie and Eve can’t believe the killer deal they’ve just gotten on an old house in a picturesque neighborhood. As they’re working in the house one day, there’s a knock on the door. A man stands there with his family, claiming to have lived there years before and asking if it would be alright if he showed his kids around. People pleaser to a fault, Eve lets them in.

As soon as the strangers enter their home, inexplicable things start happening, including the family’s youngest child going missing and a ghostly presence materializing in the basement. Even more weird, the family can’t seem to take the hint that their visit should be over. And when Charlie suddenly vanishes, Eve slowly loses her grip on reality. Something is terribly wrong with the house and with the visiting family—or is Eve just imagining things?

My rating: ★★★★☆

Almost everything about the house, from its origin to its chain of ownership, was a mystery.

This book was weird but in the best way possible. Lol.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #462: I Did It

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #498: The Hyperfixation Continues

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Quarterly Update: 2026 Reading Challenges

I have not done a quarterly update before, at least when it comes to reading challenges. But I feel like I'm doing really well this year and I wanted to take a look. Lol.

2026 Quarter Year Crisis Book Tag

It's time to check in and see how I'm doing on all things reading. This tag was created by Rosin’s Reading.

April 2026 TBR

Guys, I almost didn't complete my March TBR because I was so locked into playing Resident Evil Requiem 😅 But I did it! I really focused on reading these last couple of days, and I read everything! (I also just finished RER a couple of minutes ago, and I am not okay 😭 I don't think a video game has ever given me a hangover before 😢 I loved it though!)

Monthly Wrap-Up: March 2026

This month I read 9 books and a total of 2683 pages, that about 400 pages less than the previous month. But it's fine because last month was the odd month where I read incessantly 😅 I was also very distracted by the new Resident Evil game this month 🤭

• 6 were full-length novels, 2 manga, and 1 anthology
• 4 were part of a series, and 5 were standalones
• I started 1 series, caught up on 1, and abandoned 1
• 8 were finished copies and 1 ARC
• 7 were physical books, and 2 were ebooks
• 1 was 5 stars, 4 were 4.5 stars, 3 were 4 stars, and 1was 3.5 stars
• All 9 were traditionally published
• 5 were by authors I've previously read, and 4 were new to me
• 6 were adult books, and 3 were YA books
• All 9 were fiction
• 2 were action, 6 horror, and 1 paranormal romance

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #461: Some Sacrifices...

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #497: He Has Taken Over My Life... And I'm Okay With That

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

The ‘I Should Have Read That Book’ Tag

For some reason, my picks for this tag ended up being mostly throwbacks 😅 Which is appropriate because this tag is also quite old. Lol. Anyway, it was fun! I found this tag at a GREAT read, and it was created by Beth at BooksNest.

Review: Dead Fake (Bleak Haven #1) by Vincent Ralph

Title: Dead Fake

Series: Bleak Haven #1

Author: Vincent Ralph

Genre: YA, horror, mystery thriller

Publication date: January 2026

Published by: Wednesday Books

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Would you Swipe to Die?

When the new craze takes over Bleak Haven High, Ava Wilson refuses to join in. As the niece of an infamous murderer, it’s the last thing she needs.

The mysterious website allows people to view their own ‘death’ – an AI generated version of their final slasher-movie-moments. But, when some of her classmates’ deepfakes are replicated in real life, Ava can either catch the killer... or be the next victim.

My rating: ★★★★⯪

I freaking loved this book! And the main reason why is because it gave me modern Fear Street vibes! You guys know I LOVE Fear Street!

Review: Sakamoto Days (Vol. 5) by Yuto Suzuki

Title: Sakamoto Days: Vol. 5

Series: Sakamoto Days #5

Previous books in this series: Sakamoto Days #1 | Sakamoto Days #2 | Sakamoto Days #3 | Sakamoto Days #4

Author: Yuto Suzuki

Genre: YA, manga, adventure

Publication date: January 2022

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Taro Sakamoto was once a legendary hit man considered the greatest of all time. Bad guys feared him! Assassins revered him! But then one day he quit, got married, and had a baby. He’s now living the quiet life as the owner of a neighborhood store, but how long can Sakamoto enjoy his days of retirement before his past catches up to him?!

The situation is fraught during the casino battle between Sakamoto’s staff and the Chinese triad. Can they protect Lu and get info on the bounty?! To make matters worse, the very worst assassins from overseas are gunning for Sakamoto!

My rating: ★★★★☆

In the last volume, we saw the arrival of Wutang, who worked for the Triad and came to take Lu back. Thus ensued some fun shenanigans that would determine Lu's fate. Spoiler alert:

The Triad turned on Wutang and now he's ALSO working in Sakamoto's store 🤣

Review: The Haunting of Fabian Gray (Five Ghosts Vol. 1) by Frank J. Barbiere

Title: The Haunting of Fabian Gray

Series: Five Ghosts Vol. 1

Author: Frank J. Barbiere

Illustrator: Chris Mooneyham

Genre: Adult, comic book, fantasy

Publication date: September 2013

Published by: Image Comics

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: After a tragic encounter with an artifact known as "The Dreamstone," infamous treasure hunter Fabian Gray was possessed by five literary ghosts and has been granted access to their unique abilities.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I have had this comic book on my TBR for YEARS, but I'm glad that I finally got around to it because I really enjoyed it!

Review: All Shall Mourn (None Shall Sleep #3) by Ellie Marney

Title: All Shall Mourn

Series: None Shall Sleep #3

Previous books in this series: None Shall Sleep (#1) | Some Shall Break (#2)

Author: Ellie Marney

Genre: YA, mystery thriller

Publication date: February 2025

Published by: Black Hand Press

Source: Purchased with gift card

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Synopsis: The third and final book in the None Shall Sleep Sequence.

Simon Gutmunsson is on the loose... Since the disastrous events of the College Killer case, the FBI is coming to terms with the fact that while catching one sociopath, they've released another. Chillingly manipulative, frighteningly intelligent, and wholly insane, Simon Gutmunsson is the worst of the worst. Now he's free, and on the run with his twin sister Kristin, and nobody in the FBI is smart enough to keep up...

Travis Bell's last investigation for FBI Behavioral Science nearly killed him. Supported by family and his partner Emma Lewis, now Travis just needs to get back on his feet. But Emma has been recruited to help the FBI hunt the ultimate sociopath, Simon Gutmunsson, and there's no way Travis is letting her go into this battle alone...

Emma Lewis has gained some perspective on life, and as her emotional walls come down, she realizes that only by working as a perfect team will she and Travis have any chance of beating the Gutmunsson twins at their own terrifying game. So in a journey that will take them from Moroccan souks to Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations, the stage is set for Simon and Kristin and Emma and Travis to meet up in an epic final showdown.

My rating: ★★★⯪☆

What in the Flowers in the Attic was this book?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #460: So, That Didn't Go According to Plan...

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #496: Project Hail Mary Weekend

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Review: Sakamoto Days (Vol. 4) by Yuto Suzuki

Title: Sakamoto Days: Vol. 4

Series: Sakamoto Days #4

Previous books in this series: Sakamoto Days #1 | Sakamoto Days #2 | Sakamoto Days #3

Author: Yuto Suzuki

Genre: YA, manga, adventure

Publication date: November 2010

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Taro Sakamoto was once a legendary hit man considered the greatest of all time. Bad guys feared him! Assassins revered him! But then one day he quit, got married, and had a baby. He’s now living the quiet life as the owner of a neighborhood store, but how long can Sakamoto enjoy his days of retirement before his past catches up to him?!

The race to rescue Lu takes Sakamoto and Shin deep into an underground lab. However, they’re not the only ones there on a mission—the legendary members of the ORDER are there as well to investigate the mysterious X!

My rating: ★★★★☆

This volume wraps up the story from the last one, where Sakamoto and Shin go rescue Lu after she was mistakenly thought to be Shin.. Somehow? Lol. That entire story and the fight sequences in that lab were so good! I really enjoyed it! There was this one guy with the stitches and the weapons... absolutely horrific! 😰 I loved it!

Review- Camp Half-Blood Confidential: Your Real Guide to the Demigod Training Camp by Rick Riordan

Title: Camp Half-Blood Confidential: Your Real Guide to the Demigod Training Camp

Series: Camp Half-Blood Chronicles | Percy Jackson and the Olympians | Heroes of Olympus

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, Greek mythology

Publication date: May 2017

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Purchased hardcover

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Synopsis: In response to an awful camp orientation video created by the god Apollo, Percy Jackson and other residents of Camp Half-Blood answer such questions as “What is this place?” and “Do I get to keep the T-shirt?” Newbies can check out the section on the Divine Cabins, read up on Magical Landmarks, and consult the chapter of Training Arenas. But Camp Half-Blood Confidential explores much more than just the buildings and grounds. It includes info that can only be learned from those who live there.

For instance, campers do not always co-exist in peace and harmony. The camp is not run with superior efficiency. Prophecies do not flow forth with great regularity. Sprinkled throughout are stories from heroes who have called Camp Half-Blood home or just passed through on their way to places unknown. Chiron himself introduces the book with a brief history of training based on his millennia of experience. And, of course, there are divine words of wisdom from the god Apollo himself, because . . . well, because the demigod authors would prefer not to be struck down, thank you very much.

My rating: ★★★★☆

You hold in your hands the definitive guide to life here at our beloved Greek demigod training facility. It's written for demigods by demigods, which means you get the inside, behind-the-scenes scoop on just about everything.

This was a fun book! And it was funny because before this book, Apollo had done an orientation video for new campers to watch, and apparently, it was quite... something 😂

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #459: Rites, Killers, and Possible Hauntings

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #495: Stressing and Destressing

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Library Springtime Reading Challenge

I went to my library last week, as I do most weeks 😆 and I saw that they had a Spring reading challenge! I was so excited! They always have reading challenges in the Summer, but I believe this is the first time they have one in the springtime. So I obviously had to join because I don't have nearly enough challenges going on right now (lie lol).

Review: Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

Title: Warbreaker

Series: Cosmere #5 (can be read as a standalone)

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Adult, high fantasy

Publication date: June 2009

Published by: Tor

Source: Freebie from author's website

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Get it FREE on Brandon Sanderson's website

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Synopsis: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, Warbreaker is the story of two sisters, who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, the lesser god who doesn't like his job, and the immortal who's still trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago.

Their world is one in which those who die in glory return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandren's capital city and where a power known as BioChromatic magic is based on an essence known as breath that can only be collected one unit at a time from individual people.

By using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be accomplished. It will take considerable quantities of each to resolve all the challenges facing Vivenna and Siri, princesses of Idris; Susebron the God King; Lightsong, reluctant god of bravery, and mysterious Vasher, the Warbreaker.

My rating: ★★★★⯪

Brandon Sanderson has done it again with the amazing world-building and cool magic system.

Review: The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan

Title: The Demigod Diaries

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians | The Heroes of Olympus

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle grade, Greek mythology

Publication date: August 2012

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Purchased hardcover

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Synopsis: What dangers do runaway demigods Luke and Thalia face on their way to Camp Half-Blood? Are Percy and Annabeth up to the task of rescuing stolen goods from a fire-breathing giant who doesn't take kindly to intruders? How exactly are Leo, Piper, and Jason supposed to find a runaway table, dodge a band of party-loving Maenads (who just might be a little psychotic), and stave off a massive explosion...all in one hour or less?

With his trademark wit and creativity, Rick Riordan answers these questions and more in three never-before-seen short stories that provide vital back-story to the Heroes of Olympus and Percy Jackson books. Original art, enlightening character interviews and profiles, puzzles, and a quiz add to the fun in this action-packed collection.

My rating: ★★★★☆

This book was a collection of short stories and other fun things, and I had a blast reading it! But then you know how much I love Percy Jackson. Lol.

Review: The Fox and the Devil by Kiersten White

Title: The Fox and the Devil

Author: Kiersten White

Genre: Adult, horror, paranormal romance, historical fiction

Publication date: March 10th 2026

Published by: Del Rey

Source: eARC for review from publishers via Netgalley

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Synopsis: An obsession with a beautiful serial killer entangles a vampire hunter’s daughter in an immortal sapphic romance in this enthralling gothic fantasy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Lucy Undying.

Anneke has a complicated relationship with her father, Abraham Van Helsing—doctor, scientist, and madman devoted to studying vampires—up until the night she comes home to find him murdered, with a surreally beautiful woman looming over his body. A woman who leaves no trace behind, other than the dreams and nightmares that plague Anneke every night.

Spurred by her desire for vengeance and armed with the latest in forensic and investigatory techniques, Anneke puts together a team of detectives to catch her mysterious serial killer. Because her father isn’t the only inexplicably dead body. There’s a trail of victims across Europe and Anneke is certain they’re all connected.

But during the years spent relentlessly hunting the killer, Anneke keeps some crucial evidence to infuriatingly coy letters, addressed only to Anneke, occasionally soaked in blood, and always signed Diavola. Devil. The obsession is mutual, and all the more dangerous for it.

The closer Anneke gets to her devil, though, the less sense the world makes. Maybe her father wasn’t a madman, after all. Diavola might be something much worse than a serial killer . . . and much harder to destroy. Because as Anneke unearths more of Diavola’s tragic past, she suspects there’s still a heart somewhere in that undead body.

A heart that beats for Anneke alone.

My rating: ★★★⯪☆

I'll never let her have a moment's peace. I'll hunt her to the ends of the earth.

I really enjoy Kiersten White's writing, and I was really looking forward to this one because the concept sounded so interesting! Unfortunately, I think this was more of a case where I liked the premise more than the execution.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #458: Mexican Bingo But Make It Spooky

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #494: Movies and Video Game Drama

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Review: The Hero of Ages (Mistborn #3) by Brandon Sanderson

Title: The Hero of Ages

Series: Mistborn Era 1 #3 | The Mistborn Saga #3 | Cosmere #4

Previous books in this series: Mistborn: The Final Empire (#1) | The Well of Ascension (#2)

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Adult, epic/high fantasy

Publication date: October 2008

Published by: Tor Books

Source: Borrwed from library

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Synopsis: Vin fulfilled the prophecy and released the power gathered in the Well of Ascension. But it was all a trick, and now the godlike being Ruin has been unleashed on the world, bent on its destruction by earthquake and Fire.

Having escaped death only through becoming a Mistborn himself, Emperor Elend Venture now hopes to find clues left behind by the Lord Ruler that will help them fight back. Legends speak of a hero, but were any prophecies not corrupted? To make up for being duped, Vin must unravel the truth so she can become the Hero of Ages before Ruin can wipe out all life on the planet.

My rating: ★★★★★

She'd called herself hero, and had released the enemy all the while thinking that she was sacrificing her own needs for the good of the world.

When I finished reading the last book, I said that I was not okay. Well, I'm doubly not okay after finishing this one.

Review: Sakamoto Days (Vol. 3) by Yuto Suzuki

Title: Sakamoto Days: Vol. 3

Series: Sakamoto Days #3

Previous books in this series: Sakamoto Days (#1) | Sakamoto Days #2

Author: Yuto Suzuki

Genre: YA, manga, adventure

Publication date: September 2021

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it on Goodreads

Buy it: Amazon | B&N | Thrift Books

Synopsis: Taro Sakamoto was once a legendary hit man considered the greatest of all time. Bad guys feared him! Assassins revered him! But then one day he quit, got married, and had a baby. He’s now living the quiet life as the owner of a neighborhood store, but how long can Sakamoto enjoy his days of retirement before his past catches up to him?!

Team Sakamoto enters an airsoft tournament organized by the shopping arcade in the hopes of winning the million-yen prize. However, things don’t go as planned and they find themselves teaming up with a not-so-sharp sniper called Heisuke. Meanwhile, some shady characters connected to the secret organization that raised Shin are on their way to Sakamoto’s...

My rating: ★★★★★

It had been a while since I last read an installment in this series, and I almost forgot how fun it was!

March 2026 TBR

I did it again. I finished my TBR, and this time I finished it ONE week before the end of the month! 😭 Which is crazy because it was a shorter month. Even crazier: I only had 6 books on my TBR but ended up reading TEN books overall in February! 😱

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #457: Back on the Horror Train

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #493: Just Work, Trials, and Sims

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Monthly Wrap-Up: February 2026

I don't know how, but I managed to read 10 books this month! That's a total of 3042 pages, which is 859 pages MORE than last month! 😱

• 6 were full-length novels, and 2 manga, 1 novella, and 1 light novel
• 8 were part of a series, and 2 were standalone
• I started 3 series, and finished 1, and caught up on 1
• 9 were finished copies and 1 ARC
• 4 were physical books, and 5 were ebooks, and 1 was an audio/ebook combo
• 4 were 4.5 stars, 3 were 4 stars, and 3 were 3.5 stars
• All 10 were traditionally published
• 6 were by authors I've previously read, and 4 were new to me
• 3 were adult books, and 7 were YA books
• All 10 were fiction
• 2 were action, 4 horror, 1 high fantasy, 1 mystery thriller, 1 cozy fantasy, and 1 sci-fi

Review: Accomplice to the Villain (Assistant to the Villain #3) by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Title: Accomplice to the Villain

Series: Assistant to the Villain #3

Previous book in this series: Assistant to the Villain (#1) | Apprentice to the Villain (#2)

Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Genre: Adult, high fantasy, romance

Publication date: August 2025

Published by: Entangled: Red Tower Books

Source: Purchased paperback

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Synopsis: REWARD OFFERED: Apprentice to The Villain wanted for treason (light), magical property damage (alleged), and one incident involving a weaponized scone (accurate). Frequently seen with a grumpy frog (crowned, judgmental). Answers to “Evie” or “Stop that.”

Evie Sage didn’t mean to become the right-hand woman to the kingdom’s most terrifying villain. One minute, she was applying for an entry-level position that promised “light paperwork and occasional beheadings,” and the next, she was knee-deep in magical mayhem, murder plots, and an entirely inappropriate crush on her brooding, sharp-jawed, walking disaster of a boss.

Now, with a magical prophecy unraveling, assassins showing up in the break room, and a suspicious amount of frogs wearing crowns, Evie has to figure out how to survive her job without setting the kingdom on fire—or her dignity, which is hanging by a very sarcastic thread.

Being evil-adjacent was never part of the five-year plan. But then again... neither was falling for The Villain.

A magical office comedy with grumpy bosses, snarky frogs, and definitely-not-feelings.

My rating: ★★★☆☆

I don't know what's going on with this series, but it is progressively getting worse and it's making me so sad! I literally gave the first book 5 stars! 😭

Review: Apprentice to the Villain (Assistant to the Villain #2) by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Title: Apprentice to the Villain

Series: Assistant to the Villain #2

Previous book in this series: Assistant to the Villain

Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Genre: Adult, high fantasy, romance

Publication date: August 2024

Published by: Entangled: Red Tower Books

Source: Purchased paperback

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Synopsis: NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. —Mgmt

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat... er, out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs—Kingsley’s included—point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies... including their nemesis, the king.

Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.

It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so... so... delightfully fun.

But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?

My rating: ★★★★☆

I'm not gonna lie, I didn't love this book as much as the last one. I mean, I still liked it, but Assistant to the Villain was an easy 5 stars, sooo...

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #456: I Finished My February TBR!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.