Posts

The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria, #1)The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘The Elements of the Crown’ by Kay L. Moody is the first book of ‘The Elements of Kamdaria’ series. It follows the journey of Talise as she strives to gain the title of ‘Master Shaper’ who has the honour of working directly with Kamdaria’s Emperor and is Talise’s last and only chance to rise out of generations of poverty and prejudice. A major highlight of the story is Moody’s worldbuilding- Kamdaria comes across as a living and breathing place with its class structures, beliefs, politics and institutions described in full and elaborate detail. Kamdaria’s lore isn’t explored in a way that’s ham-fisted or entirely expository- readers learn about this world through Talise and the other characters, their actions and the narrative itself. It also helped that Kamdaria was just so interesting- its inhabitants have the ability to ‘shape’ or control the elements of water, earth, fire and wind and it was a delight to discover how this society was modelled after this power afforded to most of its citizens and how it would affect its functioning.

A story is only as good as its characters and ‘‘The Elements of the Crown’ doesn’t disappoint. Talise is such a fleshed out and compelling protagonist and Moody allows for readers to sympathise with her easily- her bravery and determination is truly inspiring given her dire situation and background. At times, I found myself rooting for her, gasping at the sudden obstacles in her way or crying for her. The secondary characters are just as interesting and deep as Talise- Aaden Sato, for instance, is more than he appears and, despite his situation being so much different than Talise’s, their similarities are startling and its fascinating to see how Kamdaria’s governing laws can both disadvantage the weak and the strong and the poor and the rich in equal measure. Another notable character is the elusive Emperor of Kamdaria himself, Emperor Flarius, who’s machinations and schemes are delicious to untangle and discover.

In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a book with a rich storyline and characters, then picking up ‘The Elements of the Crown’ is a must. It is an excellent first entry and I cannot wait to read more.

View all my reviews

Come Back Tomorrow (Embrace Tomorrow Duet Book 1) by Amy Argent – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

Come Back Tomorrow (Embrace Tomorrow, #1)Come Back Tomorrow by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘Come Back Tomorrow’ by Amy Argent follows clinical psychologist Tori Somerset as she befriends cancer patient Will Everson who seemingly has given up on life and surrendered himself to a fate of being alone. If wholesome and sweet romances are your bread and butter, then this book isn’t one to miss- Tori and Will’s relationship is beautifully written and incredibly compelling. It’s not hard to see why the pair are destined to be together as they treat each other with kindness, respect and courtesy. Despite the book primarily taking place in a single place, it manages to feel much larger in scale- Tori’s big heart and Will’s sarcastic wit going leaps and bounds further than the confines of the hospital. Their chemistry is palpable and their affection towards each other is undeniably evident, which makes Will’s dire circumstances all the more heart-breaking. Despite the genre of the book, Argent refuses to shy away the ugliness of cancer and the massive toll it can take on a person’s health, and the story is all the more stronger for it- other novels with similar premises tend to sugar-coat or romanticise the illnesses they portray but ‘Come Back Tomorrow’ doesn’t fall into this trap. Argent thoroughly and clearly describes the way the cancer has affected Will- not only on his body but also on his mind, emotions, perspective and relationships.

A romance novel is only as good as its romantic leads and ‘Come Back Tomorrow’ doesn’t disappoint. Will has a penchant for painting, cats and comics and, beyond his understandably aloof exterior, he is arguably kind to a fault- willing to sacrifice his own comfort and happiness so as to not trouble and sadden the people he cares about. Tori is similarly compassionate- not only is her very career predicated on the notion of helping people but she does so in her spare time, which is what leads her to Will in the first place. She spends her time befriending those who seemingly have a very limited support system to assist them during their illnesses- bringing light and love to those who need it the most. These two truly good souls are a match made in heaven, and it’s a delight to read about their journeys to each other.

In conclusion, if you’re in the mood for a sweet and compelling romance, then ‘Come Back Tomorrow’ is a book you’re not going to want to put down.

View all my reviews

THE BOW (HER THREE IMMORTALS Book 3) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

The Bow (Her Three Immortals, #3)The Bow by Hazel Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘The Bow’ is the third book in Hazel Storm’s ‘Her Three Immortals’ series and picks up right where its predecessor left off as we continue to follow Vanessa Maan as she juggles the deepening interests of her trio of beautiful Gods and becomes further embroiled in the heavenly power struggle overlooking our world. This third instalment has a special focus on Aroz- the God of Lust- and his relationship with Vanessa and his family. For this reason alone, this quickly became my favourite in the tetralogy so far- the way that light is shed on Aroz’s past and background little by little had me on the edge of my seat and begging for more. As new truths were unearthed and fresh spins were put on established facts with appearances of characters both old and new, Aroz became more and more compelling- shooting him to the top as my favourite of the three Gods. The way that his and Vanessa’s destinies were intertwined gave me butterflies as if Aroz had launched one of his arrows my way through the pages of the book himself.

Despite the spotlight on Aroz, Vanessa’s relationships with Grey and Raef are still given plenty of focus and development in ‘The Bow’. They continue to grow and evolve, and there is a real sense of the deep care and love they all feel towards one another. It’s clear how much Grey and Raef have grown since the first book due to their experiences with Vanessa, their families and the unravelling of their pasts. With the exploration of the ties binding these characters, the readers also learn more about the world they inhabit- of both the dangers and the allures of a realm run by beings with unfathomable power. It was a delight to learn more about how the Underworld and especially Elysium functions, and the fight to keep it afloat with interferences from all four corners threatening to crumble it down.

In conclusion, if you loved ‘The Don’ and ‘The God’, then you will love ‘The Bow’ which has tenfold of what its predecessors have and more. If you’re in the mood for steamy romance, captivating drama and enchanting myths and legends, then be sure to pick this book up.

View all my reviews

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘The Book of Carraig’ is the second book in Andrea Matthews’ ‘The Cross of Ciarán’ and picks up right where its predecessor left off as we continue to follow the journey of fifth-century Celt, Ciarán Donnelly, as he returns to his homeland of Ireland and faces the ghosts of his past. Matthews expertly retains all the magic and intrigue in her second instalment and then some- it was a delight to plunge back into Ciarán’s ancient world and learn more about the Celtic and Pagan threads that bind it together. New reveals and twists and turns incorporated into the plot made the world feel richer and more alive- something I didn’t think possible with how well crafted it already was in the first book.

A major theme that ‘The Book of Carraig’ explores is the notion of letting go of the past and moving on. Ciarán is constantly torn between the fifth and twentieth centuries- haunted by the tragedies that befell his brother and wife hundreds of years ago to such an extent, he places his life in danger and incites the concern of those around him more than once. His fixation understandably also forms a rift in his relationship with his new love, archaeologist Caitlin O’Connell, and this was such a fresh breath of air- it was a realistic consequence of half of Ciarán’s heart being left centuries in the past and allowed a proper amount of focus to be placed on Ciarán’s grief of being a man out of time. What I admire most of all is that, despite the chasm between them, Caitlin and Ciarán still have an evident deep love and respect for one another. They allow each other to process their feelings and to go at their own pace- to deal with each of their inner demons before coming back together stronger than ever.

Another strength of ‘The Book of Carraig’ is its use of its characters. All of the arcs of the returning characters are continued in a way that isn’t disjunct from the first book and many evolved beyond their portrayal in the first instalment. A mark of a great sequel is how well it follows from its predecessor- how well it expands upon what was explored prior or continues to develop the characters. The Book of Carraig’ excels in this department- seeing Ciarán, Caitlin and the whole archaeology family was a delight and its clear that each of them had been written with clear purposes from the outset.

In conclusion, if you loved ‘The Cross of Ciaran’ then ‘The Book of Carraig’ is a must-read as it delivers on all fronts that made the first book great and more.

View all my reviews

Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

Goddess of EverythingGoddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘Goddess of Everything’ by Paul DeBlaisse III follows Gabriel de LaTierra as he is caught between the shackles placed upon him by his own mother’s supernatural powers of filial piety and religious devotion and his need for the truth, love and freedom. The book’s greatest strength is by far it’s world building and the foundations that predicate it- the powers bestowed upon characters like Gabriel and Mother Juana de la Cruz are rooted in Latinx legends and myth, making for a very interesting and rich read, and the setting of the sandy and desolate deserts of New Mexico not only reinforces the suffocating and almost drowning atmosphere of the story, but allows characters of colour to shine. DeBlaisse’s deep love for Latinx culture is embedded in everything- from something simple like the food that characters eat to the great and awesome displays of power that bring about ill-omens or earth-shattering feats.

DeBlaisse’s writing style in ‘Goddess of Everything’ is also a clear and evident highlight. Through the use of vivid and striking descriptions, DeBlaisse makes readers feel not only as if they’re witnessing the events first-hand, but as if they’re the characters themselves- as if the wrath of Mother Juana has broken through the confines of the book to wrap a ghostly and phantom hand around the necks of the audience. Reading this story, I could taste, hear, smell, see and, most importantly, feel everything the characters were experiencing as if I was having an out-of-body experience- every word cutting straight through the heart and into the soul. Everything was so detailed, I could almost believe that the events actually occurred- as if there was actually such a dangerously obsessed order that went around inflicting divine punishment on anyone who dared even blink the wrong way.

DeBlaisse’s narrative form also allows for some compelling and interesting characters. Gabriel is a great and likeable protagonist who ultimately just wants to do right by the world, allowing readers to be deeply sympathetic to his plight. His relationship with his wife, Consuela, is also believable and charming, with Consuela being a strong character in her own right as well. The stand-out character, however, is none other than ‘Mother’ herself- being downright terrifying due to the sheer lengths she’d go to to keep holding onto her power and yet utterly captivating as more and more of her psyche is unravelled as the book goes on. A mother’s love has never been so hideous and fascinating.

Overall, if you want a book to exacerbate the mood of a dark and stormy night or you’re just in the market for a good old-fashion spook that will settled in your bones and make you jump, then ‘Goddess of Everything’ is a must-read.

View all my reviews

Journeys Through TimeSpace (Journeys Through Book 2) by James Talisman – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

Journeys Through TimeSpaceJourneys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘Journeys Through TimeSpace’ by James Talisman is the second entry of his ‘Journeys Through…’ series and picks up from the events of the first book to primarily focus on returning characters from the EarthVerse and Elipsson worlds. It was rewarding to see familiar faces like Matt and Tysson again and to witness the next phases of their journey. Talisman’s decision to mainly cast a spotlight on these two rather than all six of ‘Journeys Through SpaceTime’s’ protagonists was a smart one- allowing the author the time and space (ha!) to flesh out Matt and Tysson to a greater extent and to concentrate on the cultivation of their abilities and powers.

The narrowing down of characters also permitted for a deeper exploration into the worlds Matt and Tysson hail from and further build upon their unique cultures, structures and histories. The space expeditions and lizzard hierarchy of Elipsson was joy to learn about like last time and, while in theory, Matt’s familiar realm of Earth should not be as interesting, Talisman manages to make the setting fresh and intriguing by not pigeon-holing the narrative in one location- following Matt and his friends and family all around the globe on their adventures. It’s evident that Talisman did his research before going into this book- he paints such a vivid and accurate picture of different countries like Nepal and France with an appropriate level of sensitivity and cultural care, nor does he render the inhabitants of such places mere caricatures or stereotypes.

Another thing that Talisman manages to knock out of the park even further than in ‘Journeys Through TimeSpace’s’ predecessor is his exploration and analysis of his series’ unique wisdoms and ideas of the collective consciousness binding many as one. As Matt and Tysson learn to harness their abilities and develop their skills, the audience’s knowledge of the powers holding the fabric of the MultiVerse deepens. It’s a delight to see the clear influence drawn from eastern, western and religious tradition as Talisman continues to further distinguish and develop the distinct lore of his story.

A sequel is only as good as its capacity to build on themes and storylines of its predecessor, and ‘Journeys Through TimeSpace’ does not come up short in this regard. The events of the first book are seamlessly incorporated and followed here, allowing for natural story progression and character beats and development. Never once did a plot-point feel bizarre or odd- the first book was clearly written with the second one in mind and vice versa with consequences from the former shaping the latter and some aspects of character evolution explored being direct repercussions of the happenings of its preceding book.

If you loved ‘Journeys Through SpaceTime’, then picking up ‘Journeys Through TimeSpace’ is a no-brainer as it reaches even greater heights than its predecessor. For a story spanning the MultiVerse and time itself, you could not ask for better.

View all my reviews

THE GOD (HER THREE IMMORTALS BOOK 2) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

The God (Her Three Immortals, #2)The God by Hazel Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘The God’ is the second book of Hazel Storm’s Her Three Immortals series and a worthy sequel to ‘The Don’. It continues to follow the journey of beautician Vanessa Maan as she finds herself even more tangled in the politics of those who rule over Earth and falling deeper for the trio of handsome Gods from the last book. Unlike ‘The Don’, ‘The God’ largely shifts its focus away from the mortal world to the Underworld where the souls of the dead reside. This was a welcome change as it provided deeper insight into the intricate and vivid world that Storm has crafted. It was very interesting to learn more about how the Underworld functioned and how it shaped Grey, the overseer of the realm, into the man- or should I say God- he is today. Seeing him in his natural element allowed for greater development of his character with more and more facets of his past thrust into the light and the strengthening of his dynamic with Vanessa.

Speaking of Miss Maan, the change in setting also served her and her story well. Suddenly isolated from her family and friends and embroiled in the inner-workings of a realm run by the other-worldly, Vanessa is forced to fend for herself in circumstances virtually unknown and she comes out a much stronger character for it. Having a protagonist with little knowledge of the world around her provided a smooth vehicle for the audience to learn alongside her and thus does not make the book feel like it was bogged down by exposition. That’s not to say that Vanessa is completely alone however- she quickly befriends strange and mystical creatures such as Gorgonita, Medusa’s daughter eternally trapped as a mirror, and PK, a feather boa of a capitallar who’s hunger is seemingly insatiable. They serve as charming companions who bounce off of Vanessa nicely and are great additions to the cast as well as the lore binding the mystical realms.

The mark of a great sequel comes in the form of consequences- namely evidence that events of its predecessor has relevance in terms of its impacts on characters and the story of the sequel and that the themes and concepts of the former are continued to be explored in the latter. ‘The God’ does not disappoint in relation to this aspect- the plotlines and threads present in the first book are delved into more thoroughly and some discoveries even shine a different light on the events of ‘The Don’. Old characters are not suddenly cast aside, become obsolete or are forgotten- it’s clear that Storm did not put them into her first book willy-nilly and had done so with a greater purpose in mind.

Overall, ‘The God’ is a great continuation of ‘The Don.’ It doesn’t lose the heart of the first novel, nor its dark and steamy nature. If you’re interested in seeing the next step in Vanessa’s journey or in getting a more profound look into the mechanisms that push and pull at Storm’s manufactured realms, then this book will not disappoint.

View all my reviews

Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘Journeys Through SpaceTime’ by James Talisman marks the first entry of his ‘Journeys Through…’ series and follows six protagonists across different realms in the MultiVerse as they’re all suddenly called to action by a mysterious force against an all-encompassing evil. Talisman’s passion bleeds through the pages- there is evident love channelled into each and every one of his characters, themes and particularly, worlds. The world-building in ‘Journeys Through Spacetime’ is by far its greatest strength. As the book takes place across the literal MultiVerse, there is a tall-order on the author to ensure that the logic of their universes are consistent and to craft worlds that stretch the limits of human imagination, given that essentially anything is possible. Talisman, however, does not fail to deliver in this department- each of the realms that the six protagonists hail from are unique with different social structures and norms and are interesting and engaging to read about. There is just enough familiarity to these worlds for readers not to feel out of their depth or lost but not too much so as to quash the distinct spark that each of them has and to lose the audience’s interest. Since the book juggles multiple, it was always a treat to plunge to each of these realms- each chapter or segment serving as a nugget into the life and times of the outlined societies and their inhabitants.

Talisman also uses the book as a vehicle to disseminate ancient, esoteric wisdoms and traditions. It is shaded with considerable philosophical nuance and blended with deep, thought-provoking concepts of the collective and connected consciousness and ideas of one within many. It is clear that Talisman has taken a great deal of care into researching these notions- notions that are woven into the story’s fabric seamlessly and in a manner that isn’t jarring or doesn’t take the reader out of the story. Drawing wisdoms and customs from multiple sources, Talisman has truly designed something one-of-a-kind as building blocks to construct an unparalleled, extraordinary story that has all the strangeness, bizarreness and ingenuity one would expect of a tale spanning the MultiVerse.

Trying to write a good protagonist is no easy feat, let alone six, and yet Talisman manages to do this also. Like the worlds they come from, each of the main characters are different and distinct with their own histories, motives and personalities. There is no weak link in the colourful cast- you never feel cheated when you switch and suddenly begin to follow another because they’re all fascinating in their own right. The hero’s journey is hard enough to properly do once, but it somehow is written multiple times in relation to each of the protagonists in a way that doesn’t feel repetitive or stale. You feel the emotions along with the characters- riding their highs and successes and slumming it with them as they hit their lows and failures.

In conclusion, if you’re in the mood for compelling characters all connected by a single thread as they’re dragged into an adventure spanning space and time, then ‘Journeys Through SpaceTime’ is the book for you.

View all my reviews

Death of a Coupon Queen (Sophie Parker Mystery Series) by Jenna Harte – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

Death of a Coupon QueenDeath of a Coupon Queen by Jenna Harte
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘Death of a Coupon Queen’ by Jenna Harte follows Sophie Parker as she finds herself entangled in the murder of Marla Naylor, the reigning ‘coupon queen’ of Jefferson Grove. Harte strikes a great balance between quirkiness and intrigue- what may seem like a wacky premise is perfectly blended with the peculiar events surrounding Marla’s death to form its own new take of the quintessential ‘who dun’ it.’ It is a mystery that the audience will be eagerly turning the pages of the book to see the next piece of the puzzle Sophie finds in her efforts to find the truth.

The bizarreness of a small-town coupon group suddenly with a corpse at their doorstep unsurprisingly gives rise to its own set of compelling and lovable characters. Harte breathes life into her expertly crafted cast- so much so they could be real people. At the end of the book, I felt like I had been living in the tight-knit community of Jefferson Grove- like I could go to the infamous Booty Burgo and pound a few drinks with Junior Junior Mason, the resident landscaper, or peruse the local fair to have a bite of Aunt Rose’s acclaimed huckleberry pie. Having such a vivid set of potential players to the murderous scheme makes the mystery all the more juicier as you try to figure out who on earth killed Marla and for what possible reason.

The highlight of the book, however, is our resident town sleuth Sophie Parker, who often somehow unwittingly finds herself embroiled in deadly plots such as this one. A quick, sharp and bright young woman, Sophie’s endeavours to uncover the next clue is a delight to read about and a sense of camaraderie arises when you learn new things in tandem with her. Beyond her search for answers however, getting to track Sophie’s development throughout the story is a boon. As trickles of her past are revealed as the story progresses, her actions in the present are coloured by this context and readers are given a greater appreciation when she manages to break free of the shackles binding her. Whether it be in regards to her sweet relationship with AJ ‘Flyboy’ Devlin or her tumultuous rivalry with Vivie Danner, the strides Sophie makes to step out of the shadow of her family’s reputation is worth it alone to pick this story up.

All-in-all if you’re in the mood for a captivating spin on a murder mystery that’s set against a bizarre but welcoming backdrop of a coupon-group of all things, then Harte’s ‘Death of a Coupon Queen’ will satiate this desire and then some.

View all my reviews

The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘The Murders of Lillian Ross’ by Sirena Van Schaik tells the story of true crime author Allison McKinnon and the web of lies and deception she begins to unravel when given the unprecedented opportunity to write about the mysterious events surrounding the murders committed by Lillian Ross, who has been mum about the deaths until now. If you are faint of heart then this book isn’t for you- it delves into dark and gritty themes and is a visceral encapsulation of the many shades that abuse and violence can take. But that’s not to say that this is a bad thing- quite ironically what might drive readers away from the book is what makes it so great. Van Schaik doesn’t shy away from the horrors of physical, mental and sexual violence and the sombre reality of homelessness, powerlessness, rigid gender roles and our misogynistic society and political structures through her vivid descriptions and exploration into the everlasting and ruining consequences that can flow from such things. The story allows readers to gain perspectives they may not have considered before or may relate to readers who have been in the situations depicted. This examination of confronting subject matter, while provocative and intense, is never exploitative and is levelled with a layer of respect and consideration for anyone who may have undergone similar experiences.

The structure and format adopted by ‘The Murders of Lillian Ross’ is undeniably one of its major strengths. With every chapter opening with a piece of evidence from the murder case and the subsequent trial, Van Schaik gives the audience the tools to piece together what really occurred the night the killings took place and to make inferences in relation to the various players. Through the way that these documents are laid out and written, it is evident that thorough research has been done to give the feel that you are actually reading real police documents or witness testimonies- adding yet another tier of realism to an already authentic story. Furthermore, the book makes expert use of dual timelines and the narrative flows from third person perspective to first person and back again throughout to provide for a deeper insight into the characters and their feelings at certain moments and to give greater context to the characters’ actions and demeanour in the present.

The highlight of ‘The Murders of Lillian Ross’ by far, however, are the rich and fleshed-out characters that Van Schaik has moulded with a finely-tuned chisel and an adept, steady hand. On their own, Allison McKinnon, our resident gutsy and brave true crime author of a protagonist, is a treat to read about and Lillian Ross is a sympathetic, strong and compelling woman whose past is riddled with hardship and anguish. It is their interactions together, however, that really spark the book’s magic. One incarcerated and the other with all the freedom afforded to her, and yet Van Schaik manages to bridge this dichotomy and craft the two women to serve as mirror images of each other- as two sides of the same coin- with how their experiences coincide and intersect. Lillian’s pain and Allison’s ache both leap off the page and cut you to the core when their backgrounds are slowly unearthed with each word read. The book truly is a study that brushes on the universal experiences of women and the frameworks designed to facilitate such occurrences.

Overall, ‘The Murders of Lillian Ross’ is a profound scrutiny of the upper echelons of society and is a gripping story from start to finish that will leave you wanting more.

View all my reviews

Tangled Roots (Witches of Willow Creek: Tangled Magic Series Book 1) by Denise D. Young – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

Tangled Roots (Tangled Magic, #1)Tangled Roots by Denise D. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tangled Roots marks the first entry of Denise D. Young’s Tangled Magic series. It tells the story of Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Gearhart, a witch who is thrust forty-five years into the future to an unfamiliar 2019 with no recollection as to how or why. Suddenly finding herself without the support of her coven, Cassie finds solace in the arms of one Nicholas ‘Nick’ Felson— the grandson of her dear friend and the last witch left in Willow Creek after mysterious events that Nick is reluctant to disclose. For a story centering around witches and the mystical, a deep and rich magic system is key, and ‘Tangled Roots’ nails this aspect. Young explores the intricacies and rules of the magic that the witches wield in a way that isn’t just mere, dull exposition— she takes the time to actually show readers how their powers work through, for instance, the characters performing magic themselves, rather than outright telling the audience. Through the use of vivid and striking descriptions, Young establishes a creative and imaginative world thrumming with life— it almost inspires me to whip out an essential oil or two just to try my hand at some of the spells depicted. Her detailed world-building goes beyond the sphere of the magical and to the mundane as well, as she captures the feel and character of a tight-knit, small town like Willow Creek so well, it and its residents could be real.

The biggest draw of Tangled Roots, however, are the characters that Young has crafted and the relationships that exist between them. The heroine, Cassie, for instance, is a strong, stubborn and powerful witch with such a compelling background and personality, you’d be hard-pressed not to want the absolute best for her. A female protagonist being rendered into a waif damsel-in-distress is an issue that I’ve encountered in many books similar to this one, but Cassie couldn’t be further from this. Yes, she is distressed, and yes, she is vulnerable, but she herself has the strength to overcome the obstacles in her path and to take charge and take matters into her own hands. There are also many other fleshed-out female characters, such as Ginny, Nick’s grandmother and Cassie’s mentor, and the elusive and cryptic Guardian of Willow Creek, who seemingly has big plans in store for Cassie and Nick. The relationships between these women are complex and profound— ridden with things both said and left unsaid and heavy with a sense of foreboding and intrigue.

The most captivating relationship, however, is between Cassie and Nick themselves. What struck me the most was how healthy their romance was when this genre is often plagued with relationships bordering on dangerous. Nick is a gentleman through-and-through— always ensuring that Cassie is comfortable with their level of intimacy before proceeding and putting her feelings and needs above any misgivings he may have. The two connect and support each other like a real loving couple would— lifting each other up when the other falls. It was truly sweet and heartwarming to read about how much they cared for each other.

In conclusion, if you have a hankering for a story filled to the brim with magical destinies, supernatural enigmas and fascinating characters, I cannot recommend Tangled Roots enough. It will satiate this need and then some.

View all my reviews

The Don (Her Three Immortals Book 1) by Hazel Storm – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

The DonThe Don by Hazel Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Don is the first book of Hazel Storm’s Her Three Immortals series starring beautician Vanessa Maan and her sudden embroilment in the lives of three beautiful Gods— Grey, the Don of the Underworld, Aroz, a harbinger of love, and Raef, the sauve billionaire. Dark and sensual, Storm depicts a mortal world that Gods and Goddesses alike treat as their own personal playground while also intricately weaving details about the Upperworld and Underworld— the realms of the immortal and dead— into her story in a manner that isn’t hamfisted and jarring. By the end of the book, I had a clear understanding as to how these celestial worlds worked— from the operation of the afterlife down below all the way up to the complicated politics and tense relationships between the deities above the clouds. The way Storm brings these worlds to life through vivid descriptions and colourful characters- almost so much so that I believed they could be real— is an attestation to her expertise and talent.

Of course, a book revolving around three ‘sexy-as-sin’ Gods is only as good as the men themselves and The Don certainly delivers on all fronts, Grey, Aroz and Raef, despite being half-brothers, couldn’t be more wildly different from each other, thus making them unique and distinct. It’s undeniable that each of them are handsome, but their beauty isn’t just skin deep— they’re rich and interesting characters beyond a surface level and this is conveyed through Storm’s use of multiple perspectives throughout the book. Grey, Aroz and Raef all have chapters dedicated to telling the events of the story through their eyes, allowing readers to grasp how they specifically feel in the moment and to better discern their motives and circumstances. It’s a tool that Storm uses skillfully to drive the narrative forward and explore experiences and the world beyond Vanessa Maan.

This brings me to what is by far The Don’s greatest strength— Vanessa Maan herself. It’s no surprise why our heroine has captured the attention of some of the most attractive bachelors around- she is a truly kind and good soul whose goal in life is to bring a touch of joy and beauty into the lives of others and to assist her younger brother in any way she can. Storm crafts Vanessa in such a way that makes readers sympathise with her plight and root for her to find her happily ever after. That’s not to say that Vanessa is a meek wallflower— she is proactive and takes destiny into her own hands which makes her all the more compelling. Her tenacity, wittiness and heart is echoed and bolstered by the characters around her— from interactions with her adoring brother and mother to the banter with the old ladies that frequent her salon and her exquisite fashion sense, Vanessa’s vibrant personality shines. Picking up the second book is therefore a must if only to follow the next steps in Vanessa’s journey.

All-in-all, The Don is not a book to pass over. If you’re in the market for some steamy romance entangled in a web of feuding Gods and Goddesses, then this story will fill that quota.

View all my reviews

The Cross of Ciarán (The Cross of Ciarán Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews

The Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews is a paranormal romance novel about an archaeologist named Caitlin O’Connell who discovers the fifteen-hundred-year-old tomb of Ciaran, a disgraced pagan priest. Matthews expertly weaves dual timelines into her story’s fabric with it flipping back and forth between the 1960s and fifth century Ireland- a period of time we get to explore through Ciaran’s eyes that’s filled with magic, betrayal and religious and political intrigue. This ancient world that Matthews has crafted is intricate with its Celtic and Pagan influences, and is teeming with life with Matthews’ use of Latin and Gaelic. The frequent flashbacks to this time long past allows readers to understand and sympathise with Ciaran as they show his experiences spanning from when he was a young boy to the events in his life that ultimately domino into his untimely and frankly horrifying and unwarranted death. It is truly astounding how attached I became to some of the characters from this age-old past who have been dead for centuries at the primary time period the book takes place and who we’re only shown glimpses of from Ciaran’s memories. This is a testament to the absolute life that Matthews breathes into her characters who actually transcend the confines of mere characters to become full-fledged and fleshed-out people and friends who you come to care for as much as Ciaran does.

The book’s heroine and resident spunky professor, Caitlin, is also a delight to read about. The only woman in a field dominated by men, you won’t find Caitlin resigning herself to the shadows of her male colleagues- rather, Caitlin makes it a point to thrust herself into the light with her absolute love and passion for her line of work. Her dedication to her profession and her absolute giddiness and excitement at new discoveries practically leaps off the page and is so infectious, you will feel as animated as she does. Caitlin’s chemistry with her colleagues is strong and is laden with the sense of the prior adventures and experiences that Caitlin has undeniably had with them. You aren’t just told of the bond that Caitlin has with them- you can feel it too.

It would be an injustice, however, to not mention what is by far the novel’s most compelling pairing which is between Ciaran and Caitlin themselves. It turns out that a man and woman out of time- the former literally and the latter spiritually- makes for a potent combination and this is in no small part a credit to Matthew’s beautiful descriptions. Her writing has almost a lyrical quality to it in the way that it ebbs and flows from one sentence to the next and is so vivid and visceral that, upon reading it, I felt like I was physically inside the book itself, witnessing the events of the story.

Overall, The Cross of Ciaran is one that you will not want to miss if you want a rich historical romance with an abundance of both heart and heartbreak.

View all my reviews

Apocalypse NOPE!! (Queerpocalypse) by Deidre Huesmann – Review by Hansini Wasalamudalige

/0 Comments/in /by

Apocalypse NOPE!!Apocalypse NOPE!! by Deidre Huesmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Apocalypse NOPE!! by Deidre Huesmann is a Young Adult novel about a girl named Ivy Jean who, through a series of circumstances, is tasked with facilitating the end of the world after being saddled with the 4 Horsemen- or, rather, Horsepeople- of the Apocalypse. This book was an absolute pleasure to read- it was a page turner from the first page to the last, largely due to how utterly charming and compelling the characters were. Ivy-Jean is a well-rounded protagonist who I feel many teenagers, especially girls, will relate to. I think we can all agree that at some point or another, like Ivy-Jean, we’ve felt as if we weren’t enough and have yearned to be loved and accepted by those around us, especially when navigating our high-school years. As for the Horsepeople themselves, War is so gleefully destructive that it’s lovable, Death is the kind but silently dangerous friend we all wish were in our corner, Famine is determined and principled but compassionate and Pestilence, while a pest (ha!), is an interesting and fascinating character. The relationships between Ivy-Jean and the 4 Horsepeople are fleshed out as they’re given ample room to breathe and develop in quiet moments between the flurry of world-ending activity and action. A part of this development stems from how funny some of their interactions are. It turns out that entities with the literal power of Gods at their fingertips are still prone to misunderstandings and the sheer absurdity of humanity, which serves as a vehicle for some of the book’s best humour.

Another thing this book has in spades is diversity- something that is super refreshing to see in our current climate. Almost all of the main characters belong to the LGBTQIA+ community including the main character, and some fall outside the gender binary. Subjects such as sexism and the patriarchy, racism, and homophobia are addressed tactfully and respectfully and in such a way that really echoes the frustrations of our modern-day society. Those belonging to such groups being able to see themselves reflected in such fantastical and multifaceted characters is a wonderful thing, especially because such diverse characters are often just reduced to their status as a minority in other stories.

Beyond amazing characters and diversity, Apocalypse NOPE!! also boasts vivid and sharp description that enlivens every scene in the book. Being a tale that revolves around those with the unequivocal capacity to end the world with a mere sneeze, one would expect it to contain some colourful action and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The action is quick and fast-paced, and Huesmann’s writing provides the reader with a front-row seat to all of it. At certain points, I was within the text of the page and at the scene- standing right next to Ivy-Jean as we marvelled at the horrific and magnificent powers of the Horsepeople.

All-in-all, Apocalypse NOPE!!, despite the title, is not something you’re going to want to say ‘nope’ to. If you’re looking for a book with quirky and intriguing characters and a well-paced plot that also serves as a commentary on contemporary society, then you need not look further.

View all my reviews