Ashes at the Altar by LaDarrion WilliamsMalik knows that the fight is not over. He may have trapped the evil spirit that was
possessing his mother, but her power is still growing, and the Bokors have not
been caught. In addition to all of that,
he is adjusting to learning who his father’s people are AND a new semester of
school. Who can Malik trust? Will his magic be enough?
Firstborn by M.J. HastingsBryn is a firstborn soldier. The Long Night is fast approaching, and she must kill or be exiled. She has two siblings. The second child has become a scholar, and the third child’s destiny is unknown. When Bryn learns that there is a plan to kidnap the Lastborn, she can’t shake the feeling that her youngest sister is in peril. As her search becomes more complicated, Bryn must trust those who are untrustworthy. Can Bryn protect her siblings? What and who does she owe her loyalty to?
Firstborn is a stand-alone fantasy novel that was a good read but won’t be great for most fantasy fans. I found my mind wandering away from the story because the characters were not keeping me involved. This is great for those who don’t want to invest in a long series, though.
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The Magic We Made by Meg CabotFrankie is a trained therapist with a thriving practice. She is a firm believer that there is a scientific explanation for everything, but when her life and town are upended by “witches,” she tries to find new ones. Ash has a knack for finding lost things. He is hired to find a missing girl, but his knack is not working so well. Several other witch influencers have gone missing, and Ash can’t keep his mind off his new neighbor, Frankie. Will Frankie be able to explain all the unusual activities? Can Ash find the missing girls?
The Magic We Made is the second book in the Witches of West Harbor series. Although this is part of a series, this is a stand-alone book that is only enhanced by the first one. Also, this is an adult book with adult content, but only one chapter got “steamy.” Cabot has created a fun, witchy book that was a great escape from my day-to-day life, and I hope she has more books set in West Harbor.
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Lady of Uncanny Charms by Charlie N. HolmbergOwein is in England and preparing to marry Lady Cora, the young lady who has become a close friend, even if most of their time together has been through letters. Unfortunately, Queen Victoria has a plan to preserve the waning magic, and that plan does not include a marriage with Lady Cora. Owein is now a part of the Queen’s League of Magicians and quickly learns that there are problems larger than his. Owein has many choices … Will he do as the Queen commands? Will he follow his heart? Will he commit treason?
Lady of Uncanny Charms is the fifth and final book in the Whimbrel House series. This series was fun to read, and even though I completed each book months apart as they were released, I had no problem remembering the overarching storyline. Holmberg has crafted characters who respond to their situations faithfully while also being unexpected. I’m sorry to say goodbye to these characters, but the series was closed in a satisfactory manner.
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Library or Lattes? by Lila HazellWilla loves fall. Not only does she love the decorations … she loves the smells and activities. When she discovers that her aunt left her $25,000 to travel the world, she is faced with some unexpected choices. Each chapter alternates with a different choice. Library has Willa choosing to study for a chance to spend a year in London studying journalism. Lattes has Willa struggling with the choice and working in a coffee shop. Each strand comes with its own romance, too.
Library or Lattes? is a stand-alone realistic fiction story that is told with a twist. I wanted to love this story, but there are too many incongruities. I understand the chapters telling a different version of the story, but within a chapter, there were timing issues that added to the confusion. Library or Lattes? was fun to read, but it will not satisfy all readers.
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Anger Is Only a Shadow by Elizabeth AcevedoLil has found herself in juvenile detention … again. She understands what she must do to be released from her punishment, but life seems to be getting in the way of her good choices. Her brother was the only person who seemed to understand her, but he is away at college and appears to be dealing with issues of his own, and no one is taking his problems seriously either. Can Lil help her brother without getting into more trouble?
Anger is Only a Shadow is a stand-alone novel with poetry interspersed. This is a short read and will be appealing to reluctant readers, and many of the issues included will have readers seeing themselves, whether currently or in their past. A felt the ending was satisfactory without feeling as if everything was wrapped with a bow. A great book for all readers.
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Monster, Monarch, Maiden by Rae CarsonBria has been living a quiet life at her family’s inn when they are attacked, and she is taken captive. She doesn’t know how she is going to get away when she is rescued by a stranger. Bria doesn’t have anything to return for, so she swears herself to Titus as a shield maiden. As their journey continues, she is given the choice to abandon her oath or follow a new path. Who is this mysterious man? Will their quest be successful?
Monster, Monarch, Maiden is a stand-alone fantasy novel with just a little bit of world-building at the beginning of this story. I enjoyed following Bria along as she discovered new truths about herself and the world she loved. Carson has crafted a one-and-done story that almost made me wonder if it was going to continue. I good fantasy read for those who don’t want to delve into a series.
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