Review: A Dragon Rider's Guide to Retirement by Julia Huni

Title: A Dragon Rider's Guide to Retirement

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, cozy fantasy

Publication date: August 5th 2025

Published by: IPH Media

Source: eARC for review from author

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Synopsis: They survived the war. Now they just have to survive retirement.

When dragon rider William Ordell is grounded by a battlefield injury, he trades conflict for peace and purchases an abandoned lighthouse on the island of Safe Haven. But quiet doesn’t suit a man used to action. After a series of mysterious fires, William finds himself launching the island’s first fire brigade—with help from the local sea dragons.

Calantha Stormbringer has left war behind, along with the last sparks of her fading magic. She retreats to Safe Haven to rebuild her late aunt’s dusty bookshop—and maybe herself. Restoring the shop will require patience, intelligence, and gold. Calantha figures two out of three isn’t bad.

What neither of them wants? To run into each other. Again.

Old grudges, magical dragons, and one cozy, nosy village—what could possibly go right?

A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement is a cozy, low-stakes fantasy filled with magic, mischief, and a slow-burn romance that won't steam your glasses. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes, Cursed Cocktails, and J. Penner’s Adenashire series.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I love Julia Huni's cozy sci-fi books, so I was super excited when I found out that she was going to be writing a cozy fantasy! In general, the cozy fantasy genre just doesn’t sound like it's for me. I'm a girly who loves her plot-driven books with lots of exciting action. But like I said, I love all of this author's books, so of course I was going to give this one a shot! And I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed it! And maybe this will be my gateway into more cozy fantasies. Who knows?

Review: Shadows of Truth (League of Liars #2) by Astrid Scholte

Title: Shadows of Truth

Series: League of Liars #2

Previous book in this series: League of Liars

Author: Astrid Scholte

Genre: YA, high fantasy

Publication date: February 2024

Published by: Allen & Unwin

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: After their dramatic escape from Vardean prison, Cayder and his friends leap into the unknown, tumbling headlong out of Telene and into the strange and mysterious world beyond the veil.

Leta – who grew up believing a world of dark fairytales existed on the other side of the veil – finds that the truth is more magical, and terrifying, than she could ever have imagined. And it's the worst possible place to discover your boyfriend has been mortally wounded.

Meanwhile, Cayder and Elenora learn that both this world and their own are teetering on the brink of destruction. Still reeling from Elenora's betrayal, Cayder must overcome his feelings and work with her to prevent an apocalypse. They have to make it home, and to do so they will need the help of their old enemy, Dr Bueter – as well as old friends they thought were lost forever.

This page-turning sequel to League of Liars takes us beneath the surface of the familiar world of Telene, and into the shadowy realm that is the source of both its magic and its nightmares.

My rating: ★★★⯪☆

I was SO excited to finally read this book! I have been really looking forward to reading it since I read the first book in the series back in the Summer of 2023. Unfortunately, I didn’t end up loving it as much as I was hoping (I gave League of Liars 5 stars!), and I honestly don’t even know what it was about this book.

Review: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation (Vol. 1) by Misaki, Momochi, & Sando

Title: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation: Volume 1

Series: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation #1

Author: Misaki

Artists: Momochi, Sando

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy, adventure

Publication date: August 2020

Published by: TOKYOPOP

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: When Lizel mysteriously finds himself in a city that bears odd similarities to his own but clearly isn't, he quickly comes to terms with the unlikely truth: this is an entirely different world. Even so, laid-back Lizel isn't the type to panic. He immediately sets out to learn more about this strange place, and to help him do so, hires a seasoned adventurer named Gil as his tour guide and protector.

Until he's able to find a way home, Lizel figures this is a perfect opportunity to explore a new way of life adventuring as part of a guild. After all, he's sure he'll go home eventually... might as well enjoy the otherworldly vacation for now!

My rating: ★★★★☆

This was such a fun manga! I really liked the premise of it! Basically, a nobleman named Lizel unexpectedly finds himself in an alternate universe that closely resembles his own. In this new world, he recruits Gil, an adventurer, to be his tour guide/bodyguard of sorts, and with his help, he explores this new world.

Review: Only Cold Depths (Galactic Bonds #4) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Only Cold Depths

Series: Galactic Bonds #4

Previous books in this series: Only Bad Options (#1) | Only Good Enemies (#2) | Only Hard Problems (#3)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, fantasy

Publication date: October 29th 2024

Published by: Jennifer Estep

Source: eARC from the author for review

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Synopsis: A WOMAN WHO CAN’T CONTROL HER POWER . . .

Everyone knows the name Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat working in a Regal-owned corporation, but thanks to my truebond with Kyrion Caldaren, I’m now one of the most wanted fugitives in the Archipelago Galaxy.

Kyrion and I have spent the last few weeks avoiding bounty hunters, along with the Arrows, the elite Imperium warriors tasked with capturing us. Now we’ve journeyed to a distant planet that’s supposed to be a refuge for truebonded couples, but when new enemies appear, we’re once again in grave danger.

As a seer, inventor, and engineer, I’m skilled at figuring out how things work, but I can’t quite understand my growing magic and newfound psionic abilities. The clock is ticking, and if I don’t figure out how to tap into my power, I’ll doom myself to a gruesome fate, along with Kyrion.

A MAN WHO CAN’T LET GO OF HIS FEAR . . .

As Kyrion Caldaren, I’m used to being respected and feared, especially given my telekinesis, telepathy, telempathy, and other powerful psionic abilities. What I’m not used to is being on the run, but as a rogue Arrow, I’ll do anything to protect Vesper.

Just when I think we’ve finally reached a safe haven, trouble finds us again, reigniting all my fears about losing Vesper.

When the cold depths of our enemies’ plan are finally revealed, the truth is more terrifying than anything I could imagine. Soon Vesper and I are fighting for our lives again, but even with our growing truebond power, this is one battle we might not survive.

My rating: ★★★★★

It probably goes without saying, but I loved this book 😆

Review: Paola Santiago and the River of Tears (Paola Santiago #1) by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Title: Paola Santiago and the River of Tears

Series: Paola Santiago #1

Author: Tehlor Kay Mejia

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy

Publication date: August 2020

Published by: Rick Riordan Presents

Source: Purchased hardcover

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Synopsis: Space-obsessed 12-year-old Paola Santiago and her two best friends, Emma and Dante, know the rule: Stay away from the river. It's all they've heard since a schoolmate of theirs drowned a year ago. Pao is embarrassed to admit that she has been told to stay away for even longer than that, because her mother is constantly warning her about La Llorona, the wailing ghost woman who wanders the banks of the Gila at night, looking for young people to drag into its murky depths.

Hating her mother's humiliating superstitions and knowing that she and her friends would never venture into the water, Pao organizes a meet-up to test out her new telescope near the Gila, since it's the best stargazing spot. But when Emma never arrives and Pao sees a shadowy figure in the reeds, it seems like maybe her mom was right...

Pao has always relied on hard science to make sense of the world, but to find her friend she will have to enter the world of her nightmares, which includes unnatural mist, mind-bending monsters, and relentless spirits controlled by a terrifying force that defies both logic and legend.

My rating: ★★★☆☆

As someone who grew up in a Hispanic household, let me just say that this book sounded amazing! I was very much looking forward to it because it is so rare that the books I read ever incorporate the culture I grew up with. Especially when it’s spooky in nature! I mean, La Llorona?? Yes, please! These are the types of stories we were told as children in order to get us to behave: “Si no te portas bien, te va a llevar La Llorona.” (If you don’t behave, La Llorona is going to take you.) My childhood wasn’t traumatizing at all 🙃

Review: Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant

Title: Rolling in the Deep

Series: Rolling in the Deep #0.5

Author: Mira Grant

Genre: Adult, horror

Publication date: April 2015

Published by: Subterranean Press

Source: Gift card purchase

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Synopsis: When the Imagine Network commissioned a documentary on mermaids, to be filmed from the cruise ship Atargatis, they expected what they had always received before: an assortment of eyewitness reports that proved nothing, some footage that proved even less, and the kind of ratings that only came from peddling imaginary creatures to the masses.

They didn't expect actual mermaids. They certainly didn't expect those mermaids to have teeth.

This is the story of the Atargatis, lost at sea with all hands. Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a maritime tragedy. Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the bathypelagic zone in the Mariana Trench…and the depths are very good at keeping secrets.

My rating: ★★★★☆

Killer. Mermaids. That is all you need to know going into this.

Review: The Vanishing Deep by Astrid Scholte

Title: The Vanishing Deep

Author: Astrid Scholte

Genre: YA, high fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, mystery

Publication date: March 2020

Published by: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Source: Purchased paperback

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Synopsis: Bestselling author Astrid Scholte, returns with a thrilling adventure in which the dead can be revived... for a price.

Seventeen-year-old Tempe was born into a world of water. When the Great Waves destroyed her planet five hundred years ago, its people had to learn to survive living on the water, but the ruins of the cities below still called. Tempe dives daily, scavenging the ruins of a bygone era, searching for anything of value to trade for Notes. It isn't food or clothing that she wants to buy, but her dead sister's life. For a price, the research facility on the island of Palindromena will revive the dearly departed for twenty-four hours before returning them to death. It isn't a heartfelt reunion that Tempe is after; she wants answers. Elysea died keeping a terrible secret, one that has ignited an unquenchable fury in Tempe: Her beloved sister was responsible for the death of their parents. Tempe wants to know why.

But once revived, Elysea has other plans. She doesn't want to spend her last day in a cold room accounting for a crime she insists she didn't commit. Elysea wants her freedom and one final glimpse at the life that was stolen from her. She persuades Tempe to break her out of the facility, and they embark on a dangerous journey to discover the truth about their parents' death and mend their broken bond. But they're pursued every step of the way by two Palindromena employees desperate to find them before Elysea's time is up--and before the secret behind the revival process and the true cost of restored life is revealed.

My rating: ★★★☆☆

To survive these twenty-four hours, I needed to become the storm, not succumb to it.

I have been loving reading Astrid Scholte’s books. I recently discovered them, and it is thanks to them that I have entered my high fantasy era. I used to not very much, but lately, that’s all I’ve been wanting. One thing I love about her books is that two of the three I read are standalones! That is SO rare for high fantasy! But also, they’re just so easy to read. A lot of high fantasy books have complicated names and words, but I appreciate that Astrid Scholte’s books have easy-to-pronounce words. What can I say, I am a simple girl. Lol.

Review: League of Liars by Astrid Scholte

Title: League of Liars

Series: The League of Liars #1

Author: Astrid Scholte

Genre: YA, high fantasy, mystery, thriller

Publication date: February 2022

Published by: Putnam

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: In this fantasy thriller, four teens charged with murder and the illegal use of magic band together to devise the ultimate jailbreak.

Ever since his mother was killed, seventeen-year-old Cayder Broduck has had one goal--to see illegal users of magic brought to justice. People who carelessly use extradimensional magic for their own self-interest, without a care to the damage it does to society or those around them, deserve to be punished as far as Cayder is concerned. Because magic always has a price. So when Cayder lands a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to apprentice under a premier public defender, he takes it. If he can learn all the tricks of public defense, the better he'll be able to dismantle defense arguments when he's a prosecutor. Then he'll finally be able to make sure justice is served.

But when he meets the three criminals he's supposed to defend, it no longer seems so black and white. They're teenagers, like him, and their stories are... complicated, like his. Vardean, the prison where Cayder's new clients are incarcerated, also happens to be at the very heart of the horrible tear in the veil between their world and another dimension--where all magic comes from.

My rating: ★★★★★

"They all have a story," Graymond said with a sweep of his arms, raising his voice over the racket. "Are you ready to listen?"

I loved this book more than I thought I would! I’m not much of a high fantasy reader, but there is just something about Astrid Scholte’s world-building that I just love. One thing I loved about Four Dead Queens, which was the first book I read by this author, was the world and how it was divided into four starkly different quadrants. And the world in League of Liars was equally as intriguing. There is this type of magic in this world called edem that lives in the shadows, and when used it can call forth things from the past or future. But the use of this magic is illegal because it’s unpredictable and usually always leads to disaster... of the death variety.

Review: Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte

Title: Four Dead Queens

Author: Astrid Scholte

Genre: YA, high fantasy, mystery

Publication date: February 2019

Published by: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Keralie Corrington may seem harmless, but in fact, she's one of Quadara's most skilled thieves and a liar. Varin, on the other hand, is an honest, upstanding citizen of Quadara's most enlightened region, Eonia. Varin runs afoul of Keralie when she steals a package from him, putting his life in danger. When Varin attempts to retrieve the package, he and Keralie find themselves entangled in a conspiracy that leaves all four of Quadara's queens dead.

With no other choices and on the run from Keralie's former employer, the two decide to join forces, endeavoring to discover who has killed the queens and save their own lives in the process. When their reluctant partnership blooms into a tenuous romance, they must overcome their own dark secrets in hopes of a future together that seemed impossible just days before. But first they have to stay alive and untangle the secrets behind the nation's four dead queens.

An enthralling fast-paced murder mystery where competing agendas collide with deadly consequences, Four Dead Queens heralds the arrival of an exciting new YA talent.

My rating: ★★★★☆

Lately, I have been on a high fantasy kick and honestly, I think I have this book to blame 😆 It was just so good!

Review: A Sprinkle of Krimson (Tales of a Former Space Janitor #4.5, Krimson Empire #4.5) by Julia Huni

Title: A Sprinkle of Krimson

Series: Tales of a Former Space Janitor #4.5 | Krimson Empire #4.5

Previous books in the Space Janitor series: The Vacuum of Space (#1) | The Dust of Kaku (#2) | The Trouble with Tinsel (#2.5) | Glitter in the Stars (#3) | Sweeping S'Ride (#4)

Previous books in the Tales of a Former Space Janitor series: The Rings of Grissom (#1) | Planetary Spin Cycle (#2) | Waxing the Moon of Lewei (#3) | Christmas Cookie Crumbs (#3.5) | Changing the Speed of Light Bulbs (#4)

Previous books in the Krimson Empire series: Krimson Run (#1) | Krimson Spark (#2) | Krimson Surge (#3) | Krimson Flare (#4)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi

Publication date: December 2023

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Kickstarter reward

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Synopsis: When Scott Calvin shows up on SK2, you know it's Christmas time. This year, he needs Triana and O'Neill's help, although as usual, he doesn't know exactly what he needs help with. When the Reinsdyr takes them to an interdicted system, our heroes meet new friends from the Krimson Empire.

*Author's note: If you haven't read any Space Janitor stories, this one might not make a lot of sense to you. I recommend starting with The Trouble with Tinsel if you're short on time, or The Vacuum of Space. Links to both of those books can be found in the back of this story.*

My rating: ★★★★★

Ah! A Space Janitor/Krimson Empire crossover novella?!

Review: The Wizard's Mark by Janette Rallison

Title: The Wizard's Mark

Author: Janette Rallison

Genre: Adult, high fantasy

Publication date: March 15th 2024

Published by: Janette Rallison

Source: Ebook for review from author

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Synopsis: He was her first love. Now he’s her deadliest adversary.

By day, Marcella pretends to be a highborn lady, but at night, she’s a thief for the renegades, a group whose goal is to help servants escape their noble masters.

That isn’t her most dangerous secret. In a land where only men are wizards, she’s able to wield magic.

Marcella grew up as a serving girl in the castle where young wizards train. Falling in love with Ronan, the most promising apprentice, was a bad idea from the beginning. He’d made it clear he never planned on a future with her. It would’ve stood in the way of his ambitions.

Now the renegades want Marcella to go to the king’s court where an assassination might prevent a war, but then she’ll be back in Ronan’s path. This time as enemies.

He's dangerous. He knows her secrets. Despite the sparks that always fly between them, he could easily destroy the mission and her.

And yet she might still be in love with him anyway.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I have been really into high fantasy lately, so when I found out that Janette Rallison wrote one I knew I needed to read it immediately. And I ended up really enjoying it! But that’s unsurprising because I tend to love everything that Janette Rallison writes.

Review: Ruin and Rising (Shadow and Bone #3) by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Ruin and Rising

Series: Shadow and Bone #3 | Grishaverse #3

Previous book in this series: Shadow and Bone (#1) | Siege and Storm (#2)

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Genre: YA, high fantasy

Publication date: June 2014

Published by: Henry Holt and Co.

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Soldier. Summoner. Saint. The nation’s fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

The Darkling rules from his shadow throne while a weakened Alina Starkov recovers from their battle under the dubious protection of the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Now her hopes lie with the magic of a long-vanished ancient creature and the chance that an outlaw prince still survives.

As her allies and enemies race toward war, only Alina stands between her country and a rising tide of darkness that could destroy the world. To win this fight, she must seize a legend’s power—but claiming the firebird may be her ruin.

My rating: ★★★★☆

It’s been two months since Alina last faced off against the Darkling and she is in rough shape.

Review: Odin (Asgardians #1) by George O'Connor

Title: Odin

Series: Asgardians #1

Author: George O'Connor

Genre: Middle Grade, graphic novel, fantasy, Norse mythology

Publication date: March 26th 2024

Published by: First Second

Source: eARC from publishers via Netgalley

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Synopsis: Following his smash-hit the Olympians series, New York Times bestseller George O'Connor embarks on a new saga about the Norse gods. This first volume tells the story of the warrior god Odin!

Welcome to the Nine Worlds, home of Gods, Valkyries, Dwarves, Jotnar, and more! Travel the burning rainbow bridge to Asgard where Odin, king of the Aesir, surveys his realm. His thirst for knowledge drives him ever onward, but nothing is learned without sacrifice...

In Asgardians, George O’Connor’s highly kinetic illustrations bring these gritty and astonishing tales of war, betrayal, and the quest for enlightenment at any cost to vivid and startling life and provide the perfect companion to his Olympians series.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I really enjoyed this author’s Olympians graphic novel series, so I was very excited when I found out he was going to be starting a Norse mythology series!

Review: Siege and Storm (Shadow and Bone #2) by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Siege and Storm

Series: Shadow and Bone #2 | Grishaverse #2

Previous book in this series: Shadow and Bone

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Genre: YA, high fantasy

Publication date: June 2013

Published by: Henry Holt and Co.

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Soldier. Summoner. Saint. Alina Starkov’s power has grown, but not without a price. She is the Sun Summoner—hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Shadow Fold. But she and Mal can’t outrun their enemies for long.

The Darkling is more determined than ever to claim Alina’s magic and use it to take the Ravkan throne. With nowhere else to turn, Alina enlists the help of an infamous privateer and sets out to lead the Grisha army.

But as the truth of Alina's destiny unfolds, she slips deeper into the Darkling’s deadly game of forbidden magic, and further away from her humanity. To save her country, Alina will have to choose between her power and the love she thought would always be her shelter. No victory can come without sacrifice—and only she can face the oncoming storm.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I really enjoyed this first part of the book. The ending of the last book was STRESSFUL with Alina and Mal managing to get away from the Darkling. This book picks up where that book left off, with them in hiding and being super cute together.

Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Shadow and Bone

Series: Shadow and Bone #1 | Grishaverse #1

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Genre: YA, high fantasy

Publication date: June 2012

Published by: Henry Holt and Co.

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha... and the secrets of her heart.

My rating: ★★★★★

I’ve mentioned this many times, but I’ve never really been into high fantasy... until recently. I would read a book or two a year, but I think I have officially entered my high fantasy era and I’m honestly having a great time! I read the Six of Crows duology in January because I was wanting an action-packed high fantasy and I had heard that Six of Crows had a heist, so I obviously had to read it 😆 Well, I ended up LOVING it so much that I decided to come back and read the original series too! Going into Six of Crows, I had zero intentions of reading anything else in the Grishaverse—I just wanted the heist, to be honest. But I loved the world so much that I just needed more! And I’m glad I decided to continue on with the Grishaverse because I ended up enjoying this book too. I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t love it nearly as much as I did Six of Crows, but it was still good!

Review: Only Hard Problems (Galactic Bonds #3) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Only Hard Problems

Series: Galactic Bonds #3

Previous books in this series: Only Bad Options (#1) | Only Good Enemies (#2)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, fantasy

Publication date: February 20th 2024

Published by: Jennifer Estep

Source: eARC from author

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Synopsis: PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE...

My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. I’m also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force.

But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve.

The Techwave is building weapons to use against the Arrows in hopes of toppling the Imperium and taking over the galaxy. But even more worrisome is the fact that my old rival Kyrion Caldaren has a powerful new ally in Vesper Quill. Together, the two of them just might destroy everything I’ve sworn to protect.

I’m supposed to be relaxing with the other Regals during the Summer Solstice celebration, but when an enemy threatens the festivities, I’m forced to leap into action. As an Arrow, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family and the other Regals, even though my actions will cause only more problems—and just might end up being the death of me . . .

Note: Only Hard Problems is a 47,000-word book from the point of view of Zane Zimmer. It takes place after Only Good Enemies, book 2 in the Galactic Bonds science-fiction fantasy series.

My rating: ★★★★★

I love Zane so I was very excited when I found out we were going to get a novella in his POV! And I was even more excited when said novella turned into a full-length novel! More Zane!

Review: Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2) by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Crooked Kingdom

Series: Six of Crows #2 | Grishaverse #5

Previous book in this series: Six of Crows

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Genre: YA, high fantasy, adventure

Publication date: September 2016

Published by: Henry Holt and Co.

Source: Borrowed ebook from library

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Synopsis: Kaz Brekker and his crew of deadly outcasts have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives.

Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties.

A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets - a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

My rating: ★★★★★

If you couldn’t beat the odds, you changed the game.

I am so glad I had this book handy right after finishing Six of Crows, because omg that ending with Inej? BRUTAL.

Review- Ares: Bringer of War (Olympians #7) by George O'Connor

Title: Ares: Bringer of War

Series: Olympians #7

Previous books in this series: Zeus: King of the Gods (#1) | Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess (#2) | Hera: The Goddess and her Glory (#3) | Hades: Lord of the Dead (#4) | Poseidon: Earth Shaker (#5) | Aphrodite: Goddess of Love (#6)

Author: George O'Connor

Genre: Middle Grade, graphic novel, fantasy, Greek mythology

Publication date: January 2015

Published by: First Second

Source: Purchased paperback

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Synopsis: In the chaos of the Trojan war, Ares arrives in a chariot, armor blazing like fire. Strategy has failed and gore drips from every surface, but the god of war denies his nature and sits on the sidelines as the blood of both mortals and demigods stains the ground red.

Strong, vengeful, and just plain angry, Ares enters the battle, his mind set on one thing: total obliteration. But will he be satisfied with the death and destruction he causes?

My rating: ★★★★☆

One thing I appreciated about this volume is that it starts right off with differentiating him from Athena because they are different. Athena is more the goddess of battle strategy, while Ares is the god of, well, war.

Review: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Six of Crows

Series: Six of Crows #1 | Grishaverse #4

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Genre: YA, high fantasy, adventure

Publication date: September 2015

Published by: Henry Holt & Company

Source: Borrowed hardcover from library

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Synopsis: Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge

A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager

A runaway with a privileged past

A spy known as the Wraith

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.

My rating: ★★★★★

Six people, but a thousand ways this insane plan could go wrong.

I’ve been in such a rare mood for high fantasy lately. For the last couple of years, I would read maybe one high fantasy book a year, and that’s it. But last year I read FOUR and I enjoyed them all!

Review- Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory (Olympians #3) George O'Connor

Title: Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory

Series: Olympians #3

Previous books in this series: Zeus: King of the Gods (#1) | Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess (#2)

Author: George O'Connor

Genre: Middle Grade, graphic novel, fantasy, Greek mythology

Publication date: July 2011

Published by: First Second

Source: Purchased paperback

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Synopsis: There's only one thing Zeus, the king of the Gods, is afraid of. It isn't the many-headed Hydra or the towering Gigantes. It isn't his powerful, jealous brother Poseidon, the god of the seas. Monsters, gods, Titans—none of them make the mighty Zeus blink an eye.

The only thing Zeus fears is his wife: Hera. Goddess of the air, the sky, and the heavens, patroness of the cunning Jason, and scourge of the mighty Heracles, Hera rivals Zeus in power—and surpasses him in wrath.

My rating: ★★★★☆

This volume of the Olympians focuses on Hera, the Greek goddess of marriage. For being the goddess of marriage, she really married the worst guy possible...