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Artemysia: An Original Fairy Tale Romance by Tessia Ives

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Artemysia: An Original Fairy Tale Romance by Tessia Ives
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Fantasy, Romance
Page Count – 476
Cover Designer – Zed
She followed every rule… until he broke hers.
Captain Delphine Julian and her motley crew are hell-bent on traversing the woods of Artemysia to seek help. No one has ever made it through the wicked forest, and there may be no one on the other side. But Delphine and her team are the only ones standing between the deadly Syf and human civilization… if only they can stay alive long enough to defend it.
Their best hope is working with the king’s secret weapon, the mysterious assassin Riev. Coerced into joining the mission, Riev may get them all killed. He’s exactly the kind of trouble Delphine has avoided all her life. But when unexpected passion ignites and the forest reveals a horrendous secret, they must learn to trust each other before humanity’s last hope is extinguished.

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Evergreen Academy (Society of Magical Botanists Series) by Heather Schneider

 

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Evergreen Academy (Society of Magical Botanists Series) by Heather Schneider
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – YA Fantasy
Page Count – 340
Cover Designer – Krafigs Designs

I’d always sensed something peculiar about the reclusive Evergreen Academy, tucked deep in the woods of my hometown. But I never could have imagined it was a college for magical botanists–and that I am one of them.

An invitation to the academy opens up a whole new world of wonder, yet my plant affinity powers remain elusive, and my scientific training is far behind that of my peers.

When I’m assigned a tutor, Callan Rhodes, a powerful descendant of the academy’s founders, I’m baffled by his willingness to help me.

Despite my challenges, I’m enchanted by the academy’s glass schoolhouse, its grounds which are overflowing with plants that defy the climate, and the quirky festivals held each equinox and solstice.

But disaster looms as the verdant shield that protects the academy from the prying eyes of nonmagical people begins to falter. Can Callan and the other founder’s descendants sustain the magic on their own, or will the clock finally start to tick on figuring out my powers?

Elements you’ll find in this story:

  •       Magical academy
  •       Plant magic
  •       Small town setting
  •       Cozy fantasy
  •       Light academia
  •       Science-based magic system
  •       Slow burn romance (no spice)
  •       First person POV
  •       An enchanting world
  •       And so much more

~ AMAZON ~

Heather Schneider lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their Chiweenie, Toby. 

When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, or spending time with family.

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War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Sarah King

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was an interesting read. I had not previously read anything by St. John, but I am happy I gave the book a chance. While i did find the book ‘s a little slow to start, I truly enjoyed it. The story and characters are well developed. I would recommend this book to others.

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Inside the walls of The Cloistered City, a young girl waits to be inspected, she is one of a group, all the same age and gender, all waiting to be admitted as servants and find their calling within the city walls, but this particular girl will do anything to achieve her dream, this girl is Petra Ondise. Petra has a goal in mind and she will do anything to achieve it, she wants to know what happened to her brother who was a courier in the City, but his death didn’t ring true with her and she is determined to find out the truth, by any means she can, including working her way up to being a courier herself.

As expected, Petra passed the inspection and began working as a washer girl in the city laundry, but unlike the other girls, she keeps to herself and just listens to the others around her, that is until an injustice is served and she helps another girl, even though it means she is punished too. One evening when she can’t settle, Petra decides to go for a walk near the orchards and she comes across a situation which will forward her goals and she grasps this opportunity with both hands and inserts herself into a courier’s life.

As she slips into another’s shoes, she encounters one of the Knights of Shivalry, the highest ranked warriors with almost supernatural abilities and almost becomes another statistic, however, one particular Shiv takes pity on her and she has a close escape. One day, her deception caught up with her, she knew it would happen, she explained the situation and accordingly accepted her second punishment, however, this one was much more severe and when she delivers her scroll, she collapses, it just happens to be the same Shiv as before and he takes care of her, but this isn’t the last she will see of him.

As she heads out on a personal delivery, he yet again saves her from a discretion and this is where things begin to get interesting as it turns out he also knew her brother and the truth suddenly opens up before her, but it isn’t the only one and suddenly she is thrust into the centre of a sacred mystery which the Cloistered City tried to hide behind rumours and fabrications, but what will happen when the Sacred and the Sacrifice come together? This is a fantasy romance where nothing is as it seems, the smallest mistake can cost you your life and secrets are currency, where this world will suck you in and keep its grasp firmly on you, as you discover what lies beneath the Cloistered City.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Holey Land by Laura Koerber – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Molly, a woman in her fifties, has decided to take a mini vacation to a small town in New Mexico. She doesn’t exactly know why she chose this place other than she wanted to be surprised by an experience. It just called to her. While there she meets up with three guides who help her in different ways. The guides are spirits that have been looking over this piece of land since before it was inhabited by people. This was a fairly interesting book about one’s quest to discover and possibly reinvent themselves. I found the story unique in how the past and present are interwoven and an enjoyable read.

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Petra Ondise has two goals: rise from the rank of laundry aid to courier and find out how her brother truly died. Her brother was a loyal courier for the crown when he came to an untimely death. During the Festival of the Late Harvest Moon, she runs into Third Shivalry Captain Rand Tsenturian. There were rumors that her brother and the Captain were not strangers, so what were they to one another? Captain Tsenturian took Petra to the the garden where the Antediluvian Stone is housed. He revealed that her brother, Aldeny, had taken himself out. In her refusal to believe that to be true, she placed her hand on the stone and demanded he tell the truth or she would make him her sacrifice. Upon this declaration she unintentionally bound the two of them together. What does this mean for them? I enjoyed this book and I do hope there is a second one. Though the story starts out slow it does get better so stick with it and you won’t be disappointed. The characters and world building were great. Fantasy isn’t a genre that I delve into very often, and I mostly end up picking misses, so I was glad to find a good one.

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Helen Dawkins

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful slow burn of fantasy, romance and some mystery. Even though it is a little slow at the start, it is worth it to keep going. The beginning is mainly world-building so it is understandable. The heroine, Petra, is very determined and her quest ends up being for revenge and also about self-discovery. On her journey, she crosses paths with a Captain who intends to punish her for not bowing in respect, but then Captain Rand instructs them to leave her alone. This is the changing point of the book. Enter high tension, romance, and some spice. I highly recommend to all fans of fantasy and romance.

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Finn Cunningham

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowksi was an absolute rollar coaster of a read. This book will absolutely throw you back and forth between emotions. The characters are frustratingly real, and brought to life with incredible storytelling. At some points I wanted to reach into to book and give Petra a good shake! Sanctuary will absolutely enthrall you and if you’re anything like me, make you cry and mourn alongside Petra. I do want to mention a trigger warning, as some of this content is really not for the faint of heart, however irregardless a great read.

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The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic Series) by L. J. Evias – Review by Kerry Baker

The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic, #1)The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great YA fantasy story that has a brilliant cast of characters. The friend group that is pulled through into a different world are a perfect mix of different personalities. They all have such unique experiences when they get there but it makes for a really interesting read.
The world building starts off slow, but it definitely doesn’t finish that way. You soon find yourself pulled into the story and wanting to discover even more about it. As the first book in a new series, this is a really great start and I am looking forward to seeing what else the series has to offer.

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Kerry Carr

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable fantasy romance but it was so much more than a fantasy romance. This story had it all, secrets, lies, danger, magic, and a young women who is prepared to do anything to get to the truth about her brother.
I was captivated by Petra right from the beginning and I really felt her strength and determination as she went through every obstacle to find the truth. She knows the only way she will find out the truth about her brother’s death is to go into the Cloistered City as a servant. But getting in there isn’t an easy task and once she gets a job as a maid trying to find answers leaves her open to danger.
With all the secrets, lies and danger the last thing she needs is romance until she meets Rand Tsenturian.
Rand Tsenturian is captain of the elite soldiers called the Shivalry. As part of the Shivalry Rand’s only focus should be protecting the Cloistered City however when Petra catches his eye he knows that he has to help her and keep her safe.
But how will Petra react when she realises that Captain Rand knew her brother and may have the answers she is looking for?

With an ancient incantation, a sacrifice that needs to be made, fate, danger and a romance that won’t be denied this is a story that is captivating and holds your attention from beginning to end.

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Tausha Treadway

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski. This is a fantasy romance that will keep you flipping pages late in the night. Its the story of Petra who is on a mission to discover how her brother, Aldeny, died. She was told that he killed himself but she knows better than that. She also knew that he had become a courier but she knew in her heart her brother would not take his own life. Taking a job washing clothes she becomes friends with a girl that is bullied by the other girls. Petra takes up for her and the girl ends up getting beaten half to death. She stood by her friends side until she met someone who talked her into becoming a courier herself. Petra soon finds herself engulfed in her brothers world where you don’t know who to trust. She is told time and again that her brother took his life but she refuses to believe it. She is also a little smitten with Rand a dark, mysterious, handsome Captain. Sparks fly when they are together. Will they take a chance on love and will Petra ever find out the true reason her brother died?

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War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Anantha Rusum

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book took me by surprise, I was expecting a fast-paced adventure, but it ended up to be a very thought provoking read. The story is indeed about rabbits, one young rabbit, Anastasia, who defies the norms, questioning why rabbits should be prey animals. She gets ousted from her warren, faces a predator, fights back bravely. Then she finds herself in a position she never vied for, a leader who can revolutionize her clan. As I kept reading, there were layers of depth added to the storyline and the characters. I was so glued to it until the end. I would like to read more from this series.

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Rose McCaskey

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I started this book, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it. However, it was good. It was a slow burn. It’s a different kind of fantasy romance. It wasn’t smutty, and it only had a little bit of descriptive innuendos. It had great world building and good characters. The character development was interesting since the two main characters developed and grew together. I would recommend this as a quick read (I read it in one day).

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Joanne Ellis

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski

Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery, set in a richly imagined world where tradition, loyalty, and power shape the lives of its inhabitants. The novel centers around Petra Ondise, a determined young woman who, driven by the desire to unravel the mystery behind her brother’s death, embarks on a journey to rise from her position as a lowly maid to a member of the prestigious House of Couriers. This journey is not just one of social ascension, but of discovery, both about her brother’s fate and her own intertwined destiny.

One of the novel’s strongest elements is the world-building. Lewandowski paints the Cloistered City as a place steeped in ancient traditions, where rumors and secrets swirl around the elite and where magic quietly simmers beneath the surface. The Shivalry, towering elite soldiers, add a layer of intrigue, and Rand Tsenturian, the enigmatic Third Shivalry Captain, captures attention as both protector and enigma. His dark red eyes and mysterious connection to Petra’s brother weave tension and allure throughout the narrative.

Petra is a well-drawn protagonist. Her determination to uncover the truth about her brother and her willingness to step into dangerous waters to do so makes her a compelling character. As she navigates the House of Couriers and unravels the deeper connections between her brother and Rand, the tension builds toward the Festival of the Late Harvest Moon, a pivotal moment in the story. The festival itself feels like a turning point where fantasy, history, and personal destinies collide.

The relationship between Petra and Rand is central to the novel’s romantic arc, and their chemistry is undeniable. What begins as a haunting presence of Rand in Petra’s life soon becomes a deeper connection bound by fate, culminating in a revelation that transforms both of their lives. The moment when Rand pulls Petra into the hidden, ancient garden within the emperor’s palace feels like a threshold between worlds—between the known and the mysterious, between duty and destiny.

The themes of sacrifice and the interplay of fate and free will stand out. The novel’s title, Sanctuary, is both literal and symbolic, as the ancient garden where Petra becomes Sacred and Rand her Sacrifice becomes a sanctuary from the rigid expectations of the Cloistered City. This hidden place, full of ancient magic, evokes a sense of timelessness, where the rules of their world no longer hold sway, and where love and destiny can finally intertwine freely.

At its heart, Sanctuary is about the lengths we go to for truth and love. Lewandowski crafts an emotional, atmospheric tale that brings fantasy and romance together in a seamless way. For fans of character-driven stories in richly developed fantasy settings, this novel offers an unforgettable escape. While the plot sometimes leans heavily on familiar tropes within the genre, Lewandowski’s beautiful prose and her deft handling of romance, mystery, and magic make this a standout. The slow-burn romance between Petra and Rand is satisfying, and the conclusion feels earned and deeply resonant.

Overall, Sanctuary is a must-read for those who enjoy a mix of romance and fantasy, with a dash of mystery and intrigue. Lewandowski’s world and characters will linger in readers’ minds long after the final page is turned.

Whisper (The Entian Curse) by Kay Ross – Review by Ayla Phipps

Whisper (The Entian Curse, #1)Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, wow what a ride. This is the first book I have read by Kay Ross and my oh my it was a spectacular ride. In a world where magic is known but forbidden to combine the outcome giving birth to “curses” this book gives an original take on discovering what it is to be alive.
Whisper is a disembodied spirit with knowledge, but no memories. While this might sound like a good thing, Whisper’s first experience of existence is fear, panic, and coldness. Finding compassion in a young woman named Ethene, this instantly becomes her favorite connection. All too quickly the joy of learning how to control “her” body and move, and talk she is faced with what death means. Death is an ending. Her goal quickly becomes that of staying alive and keeping others from being ended because of them. Whisper wants to make death, killing and ending outlawed. They want fear to be eradicated so that no one will ever feel it again.
Will Whisper succeed in protecting all from death and fear? Can she keep Ethene safe to achieve her goals? Or will Whisper slip back into the trees, and vines to live out their days? Being inside Whisper’s mind gave me Host feelings but at the same time so much more. Whisper isn’t a preexisting being they are a newborn and while they have no memories, they have knowledge they can pull on to quickly understand basic information. Only their first feeling of existence is nearly their ending. Ending another is quickly understood to be wrong by them and the journey they go on to try and abolish it will take you on an adventure with twists, turns, and revelations you may have never thought about before opening this book and diving in headfirst. Highly recommend. I will diffidently be keeping my eyes out for book two, to see what happens next in this amazing new and original series.

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Whisper (The Entian Curse) by Kay Ross – Review by Shannen Kern

Whisper (The Entian Curse, #1)Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first venture into this author’s work, but the cover art grabbed my attention right away. As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I had to dive in. I was taken aback by how much I loved this book. It has been one of the top reads for the entire year! This is a captivating fantasy novel that explores profound themes of existence, choice, and the morality of power through the lens of a sentient curse. The story begins with Whisper’s harrowing first experience, causing a death that haunts it throughout the narrative. The complexity of Whisper’s character is compelling and the relationships it builds with its allies are touching, revealing its desire to protect those it comes to cherish.

The world-building is rich and immersive, and the tenion escalates beautifully leading to a moral quandary that asks readers to ponder the cost of eradicating death: who must die for the sake of a greater good? The prose is lyrical and thoughtful, blending action with philosophical reflection, allowing readers to engage deeply with the characters’ motivations. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of introspection interspersed with thrilling encounters, ensuring the narrative never loses momentum. The author fit plenty of humor in as well. This book truly has it all!

Ultimately, this is a poignant exploration of sacrifice and the nature of existence. It will have a significant impact on you and leave you to reflect long after the final pages. This novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys complex characters and thought-provoking narratives in their fantasy literature. It’s a fresh take on the genre that lingers in the mind, challenging our understanding of life, death, and what it truly means to be human.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Mandy Ott

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you like fantasy mixed with drama and romance, Sanctuary is the book for you. Bree Lewandowski is a first time author for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The cover art caught my attention and the synopsis pulled me in. I enjoy fantasies and the added elements of battle, along with the slow-burn romance and drama of life in a royal city made this a very interesting read. It did start off a little slow, but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down! The world building is delightfully descriptive; I could picture myself in the Cloistered City with Petra, experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the many places she is exposed to. I felt Petra’s confusion, horror, and rejection upon learning of the circumstances of her brother’s death. I felt the connection between Petra and Rand grow and change as the story went on. The characters are fantastical yet realistic, believable, and lovable. I do hope there will be more to Petra and Rand’s story and Sanctuary will not be the last I read from Bree Lewandowski.

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Amelia Stansell

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was really good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the mix between fairytale and a fantasy story. The build up between the two main characters was great. I wish the ending had a better ending, but overall I liked the book.

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War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anastasia is a young rabbit who lives in a post apocalyptic world where humans have been wiped out and the animals rule, she lives with her family in a warren which is safe from harm, that is until she goes out of the protected area and is chased by a fox, this nearly sends her into a fugue state, but she fights off the sensation and makes it back to her burrow. Unfortunately for Anastasia, it isn’t her only unconforming behaviour, there are other aspects where she falls short, at least in others eyes, especially when she questions the rules and why they live the way they do, and so she is exiled from her uncomfortable life and becomes one of the Unwarrened.

Being as young as she is, this leaves her extremely vulnerable to the Blessed and their vicious ways, but she does what she can to survive, the first of which is to dig a new burrow, but she has to do it in such a way so as not to attract attention to herself. When she has settled in, she begins to find others who have been cast out and exiled for being weak, sick, abandoned or just lost and she takes them in and builds a safe place for them.

As Anastasia continues to create this safe space, it isn’t without its challenges, especially when she rebels against those who would prey upon her and instead question everything she believed, but will she be able to keep herself and the rest of the warren safe, or will the danger surrounding her lead her to her demise? This is a coming of age tale with a dystopian twist which will keep you hooked as this new world develops.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Felicia Belcher

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was definitely a different read. Bunnies sick of being at the bottom of the food chain and fighting back, “A Bugs Life” vibe. Raccoons namer after medicine made me cackle!

Anastasia is cast out of her Warren due to an injury, but also because of her OCD. She inadvertently creates a safe haven for the other injured bunnies from other Warren’s who would suffer a fate from the “Blessed Ones” without a home for protection.

Review by @Fbelcher93

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War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Jessica Godwin

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Set in a world where humans longer exist and animals are either predator or prey and the prey are expected to accept their fate. Anastasia, a rabbit, starts questioning everything she was taught about accepting her fate as prey, and then is cast out from her warren and family for doing so. She then runs into some foxes and trying protect herself, starts to dig a hole to hide in. While doing so she accidentally injures one of them and word gets around about the rabbit that fights back. She starts her own warren and soon others start to arrive asking for shelter. Soon a community of misfits and outcasts come together and decide that they are tired of being prey and are fighting back.

This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the characters very much and found myself rooting for them especially when it came to them fighting back against the predators. I liked that this is told from multiple points of view so you get to know each character a little bit more. I had never read a book where the story was told from the animals point of view but I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the other books in the series.

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War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Shannen Kern

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the War Bunny Chronicles as well as the first book I have read by this author. The cover pulled me in with its beautiful artwork and vivid colors. Once I read the synopsis, I knew I couldn’t ignore it. I dove right in as soon as I could and immediately got lost in the post-apocalyptic world the author expertly crafted. I absolutely loved the fact that there is a map at the beginning as it helps me learn the lay of the land without getting bogged down trying to remember details. One of the biggest wins of this work is the character development. This is a fast-paced story that unfolds at a natural pace which makes the timing feel perfect. The different underlying themes of this book took me by surprise, from societal structure to politics. If you’re a fan of YA fantasy books, this is one that is sure to keep you entertained! I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us. I’m on my way to pick up the next book in the War Bunny Chronicles!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Finn Cunningham

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

War Bunny by Christopher St. John is book one of The War Bunny Chronicles. A wonderfully unique, and truly enthralling read that genuinely makes you sit down and think. I was absolutely absorbed in this book, and had trouble putting it down, or not discussing it with my husband! He practically read this with me, I HAD to talk about it. I haven’t read anything from this author before, but he’s a must read from now on.

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Whisper (The Entian Curse) by Kay Ross – Review by Rose McCaskey

Whisper (The Entian Curse, #1)Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story was different, but I liked it. It’s about a curse that isn’t really a curse because it has gained sentience and wants to save people and end death. Whisper at first creates fear, but in the end, the people who Whisper connects with forge friendships with it. The ending is a bit sad but hopeful.

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War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Jennifer Ramos

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read the book preview to this one and I thought I had to give it a try. It’s such a crazy concept in thinking what if humans no longer existed and nature took its course. In this post-apocalyptic story, this is exactly what transpires and animals take over. I am a big animal lover so I needed to see how this story plays out in such a situation! This story centers on the character of Anatasia, a bunny, who understands that in a world where she is viewed as a prey overcomes that concept. She questions what has been and what could be. After being kicked out of her home by her mother, she experiences a plethora of human-like emotions within new surroundings. It is great to see a human resemblance within animal situations. This is such a great read for those who love animals, dystopian feel, humor, action packed and great character. development.

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War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Samantha Dunavin

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the beginning, this story grips you in the claws of heart pounding adventure. Our main character, Anastasia, narrowly escapes a Blessed One (predators who are entitled to their prey, grown accustomed to an easy hunt). As she navigates through her Warren, she discovers her passion and will to live are not accepted among her peers. When she is cast aside by her own mother, left to fend for herself, all hope seems to be lost. However, our adventure doesn’t end there. Anastasia, still filling her hunger to live, creates her own Warren with many like her who have been cast aside by those they love.
I never expected myself to be so drawn in by a group of rabbits, but I found myself rooting for these bunnies more than I rooted for the human characters of many of my favorite stories. Definitely recommend, quite an interesting read!

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Chrissy Spulak

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book one of the Kismet trilogy, and I’m grateful there will be more! In this fantasy romance, Petra is determined to figure out why her brother was killed, and it is quite the story to follow. When she becomes involved with a third shivalry captain, Rand, nothing is as it seems, and she is out to discover the truth. The mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat and flipping the pages. This is the first book I have read by this author, and it definitely won’t be the last! I highly recommend this book and will anxiously await getting my hands on the rest!

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War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Crystal Brehant

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A world with no humans and animals rule and it is predator vs. prey. One bunny questions why they must be prey. When she questions the elders, she’s ousted and left vulnerable. This is a great story for kids and teens about standing up for yourself and having courage. It’s a unique twist on a post-apocalyptic world. I think this is perfect for older kids and young teens.

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The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic Series) L. J. Evias – Review by Joanne Ellis

The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic, #1)The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias

The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias is a thrilling, fast-paced introduction to The Intrigue of Magic series, blending elements of epic fantasy with a modern young adult sensibility. The novel follows Alice Harper, a strong-willed seventeen-year-old with a gift for archery, as she is thrust into a world of magic, mystery, and dangerous political intrigue. Readers looking for a story full of adventure, magical realms, and a courageous protagonist will find much to enjoy in this captivating first installment.

The story begins with Alice struggling with a familiar coming-of-age dilemma—feeling powerless in the face of her parents’ decisions about her future. Determined to chart her own course, Alice’s focus on winning a scholarship sets her up as a relatable and ambitious character. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she and her friends are transported through a portal to an ancient and dangerous world. This sudden transition is handled with energy and immediacy, pulling the reader into the heart of the action as Alice is separated from her friends and forced to navigate a foreign, magical realm on her own.

Evias excels at world-building, quickly immersing readers in a vibrant and unpredictable setting filled with ancient magic, mysterious mages, and shifting political alliances. The realm Alice finds herself in is full of intrigue, and the novel does an excellent job of balancing magical elements with the darker, more treacherous realities of royal courts. As Alice is introduced to charming but suspicious mages and royal figures, the tension mounts, and the stakes grow higher, creating a constant undercurrent of danger. The political intrigue keeps the plot engaging, as Alice must learn to navigate shifting allegiances and question whom she can trust.

Alice herself is a compelling protagonist. Brave and bold, yet reckless and sometimes unsure, her character feels realistic and multifaceted. She is not a perfect hero, but her flaws make her more relatable as she grapples with the confusion and fear of being trapped in a strange world. Her determination to find and protect her friends, even when she isn’t sure whom to trust, drives the emotional heart of the novel. The book’s focus on her growth and inner struggle adds depth to the high-stakes adventure.

The supporting cast, especially the charming and potentially untrustworthy mages, adds intrigue and complexity to the story. Evias keeps readers guessing about their true motivations, creating suspense as Alice tries to discern friend from foe. This uncertainty, combined with the magical dangers surrounding her, keeps the reader hooked throughout.

One of the novel’s strengths is its pacing. From the moment Alice is pulled into this magical world, the action moves quickly, making it difficult to put the book down. The story transitions smoothly between scenes of heart-pounding action, moments of quiet character reflection, and escalating political tension, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. The combination of fast-paced action and the slow unraveling of the court’s secrets ensures that readers are fully engaged in Alice’s journey from start to finish.

However, some readers may wish for a bit more development in the magical system itself. While the world Evias creates is lush and imaginative, the rules and limits of the magic could have been explored in greater depth to enhance the stakes of the characters’ choices. That said, this is just the first book in the series, and it’s likely that future installments will delve deeper into the intricacies of the magical world.

Overall, The Discovery of Magic is an exciting and immersive fantasy adventure that will appeal to fans of young adult fantasy with strong heroines and intricate political plots. Alice Harper’s journey is both relatable and captivating, and the mysteries surrounding the magical realm promise even more intrigue in the books to come. If you enjoy tales of magic, courage, and courtly deception, this novel is a must-read and sets a strong foundation for the rest of the series.

The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic Series) by L. J. Evias – Review by Alicia Furlan

The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic, #1)The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book starts out rather slow but don’t worry that will change. We first meet Alice and her friends and get a peek into their lives. Alice is trying to win an archery competition and scholarship. She hopes that her parents won’t want to make her move if she wins. An innocent afternoon at the park changes everything for them. The friends are transported through a portal to Parsa. What follows is a great adventure full of action, drama, danger, and magic. This book is a wonderful start to this series. Even though it starts slow the action and drama help to keep the story building throughout the book. Can’t wait to see where this series will take us next.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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