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Journeys Through Collection: Volumes 1-3 by James Talisman – Review by Netania Lim

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Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3 by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 1: This is a sci-fi/fantasy in which there are multiple storylines following different characters in different universes, realities and timelines. Each is very different and draws on various ancient mythologies which I really enjoyed. Although confusing to follow, I appreciated having to engage more with the story. I also liked the world-building, which was extremely complex, although it was at times more descriptive and wordy than immersive. The ending was definitely action-packed, and the weaving of the story becomes clear in the way the end is tied up but leaves you wanting more.

Book 2: Having read the first book in this series, I really enjoyed this second one. There’s so much action and it’s a really interesting take on consciousness and time and Multiverse, and I love how time travel is connected with reincarnation. I definitely found this book easier to get into than the first one, because the characters were already set up so the time/space conundrum was less confusing. The relationships between some of the characters could have been developed more, or more conflict added. An original, transportive story.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Netania Lim

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I generally enjoyed this coming-of-age fantasy/mystery. The world-building was great, there were elements of mystery that made the novel more suspenseful, and I liked the main character Adrijana. Although this is marketed as young adult, I think it should be noted that there is a sexual assault and it seemed to just serve the plot. Anyhow, Adrijana is a strong, complex character who develops immensely throughout the novel, and I just really didn’t know who to trust. Read this if you like a lot of intense intrigue and political machinations.

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders Book 4) by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Netania Lim

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders #4)The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I hadn’t read the previous books in the series but I sometimes enjoy historical mysteries so I picked this up. This book leaned more on the side of mystery and cosy mystery at that, but I also liked the setting in Scotland during the Viking era and there were lots of detailed descriptions. This is definitely a book that had me turning the pages as quickly as possible.

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Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors by C. L. Schneider – Review by Netania Lim

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Smoke & Mirrors (Nite Fire #3)Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read the first book in this series and was excited to read this further instalment. The characters were great and well-developed, and I enjoyed Dahlia’s dilemma of being stuck between two worlds. The supernatural elements were particularly enjoyable and the story has depth and complexity. The plot is suspenseful and there’s a lot happening as well as a lot of characters, which can sometimes make it difficult to keep up, but overall I couldn’t wait to finish the novel.

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The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior Series Book 1) by Griffin Brady – Review by Netania Lim

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The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior, #1)The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this historical novel, set in a place and time period I have never read about before—17th century Poland. I enjoyed the characters and the world-building. The author’s research is obvious and impressive, and did not intrude on the storylines but rather enhanced them. I read a lot of historical fiction and this was really very well done. I await to read the sequel.

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A Cold Creek Christmas (Reigning Hearts, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Netania Lim

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A Cold Creek Christmas (Reigning Hearts, #5)A Cold Creek Christmas by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short and sweet Christmas romance. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I’ve read several books by this author and enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed her others. It’s a classic tale and a bit steamy, but the characters also have some emotional development and backstory, although I thought the characters could have had a bit more depth. Still, this is a warm story, perfect for the season.

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Love’s Reverie (The Stardust Duet, Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by Netania Lim

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Love's Reverie (The Stardust Duet, #2)Love’s Reverie by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this as soon as I finished the previous book in this Duet and loved it as much as the first. It’s really a direct continuation of the first story, and there’s slightly more angst where the first had more mystery. There’s plenty of sweetness, chemistry, and emotion, just like in the first novel. I really think the author captures the romance between the two main characters Kat and Phillip without getting too sappy, and we get to see more of Phillip’s character arc this time. This novel really does not disappoint!

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Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet, Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Netania Lim

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Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I adore the movie Somewhere in Time and I also love this author, so when I saw the blurb of this novel I knew I had to read it. And it lived up to my expectations. The story is romantic and the characters are full of chemistry, and although it’s cliche, it’s still suspenseful and very sweet. The author really takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster, and there are lots of details that made this a wonderful read. I read the next in the series straight after!

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Nite Fire: Flash Point by C. L. Schneider – Review by Netania Lim

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Flash Point (Nite Fire, #1)Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this urban fantasy novel, as it was totally not what I was expecting. I thought the world-building and the elements to do with dragons were unique and intriguing, although I did find it a little confusing to begin with. However, once I settled into the story, I found myself enjoying it more and more. The characters were great, the plot is full of suspense, and I thought the novel was well-written. I can’t wait to read the next in the series!

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Netania Lim

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Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I usually love fantasy but am not really into horror so I was interested to see how the author added that to the genre. I think that darker aspect was done really well. However, this is more of a series of short stories related to a single event called the ‘Rupture’, which I didn’t realise going in and was very confused. Although I like short story collections, I found it difficult to connect with the characters and there wasn’t really enough about the Rupture itself to really learn any details about it. I also found the world-building almost too descriptive and I would have preferred much more dialogue and action. Having said all that, I did enjoy the writing and that seems promising for the rest of the trilogy. Overall, a unique dark fantasy read.

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The Last Danann (Titanian Chronicles, Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Netania Lim

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The Last Danann: Titanian Chronicles 2The Last Danann: Titanian Chronicles 2 by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read Titanian’s Phoenix, the first book in this series, which I preferred to this novel. But I still really enjoyed this paranormal romance and the way the love story between Kailen and Talaith unfolds. Both have dark, haunted pasts and their story is full of drama. I thought the world-building across different places and times was impressive, and every page is full of details and the battle scenes in particular were intense. Full of adventure, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes next.

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Swindler’s Revenge (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler – Review by Netania Lim

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Swindler's RevengeSwindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this series of books because they mix plot and character perfectly. I don’t think it is necessary to read the rest of the series to be able to read this one as a standalone, but you should because they’re all so good, and you also get a better handle on some of the minor characters where they have a history with the main character Karina, who is as dramatic as ever. The book is fast-paced and a page-turner. I never know quite what’s going to happen next and while all the books have a similar atmosphere, this one is still unique and doesn’t repeat what’s happened earlier.

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Netania Lim

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Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by the authors. I loved this fantasy romance. It’s an easy read and I really fell in love with the characters Rowan, who is sarcastic and forever getting into trouble, and Theo, whom Rowan is basically forbidden from falling in love with because they come from families with a history of being enemies. Rowan is a character of depth and even with her flaws and slight immaturity she’s a very likeable character. There’s plenty of action, the world-building is immersive, and the pacing and writing flow easily. I am now eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Netania Lim

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and PossibilitiesNotebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn’t realise before I started this that this is a sequel so I would probably recommend reading the first book beforehand. In any case, I caught on to Emma, the main character and the wide cast of characters. I liked this YA tale of an 18-year-old solving mysteries in 1880s Chicago, at a time when women were meant to be seen, not heard. I also really enjoyed all the historical details that were weaved into the story. Because there are several cases that Emma solves, there were a few time jumps and new characters introduced rapidly, but it kept the story moving. Cosy mystery!

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Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 5) by India Kells – Review by Netania Lim

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Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #5)Dark Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read several of India Kells’ books and I love their romantic suspense, especially in this Dark Sparrow series. In this novel, Sam and Ellie are drawn to each other by a connection where sparks fly immediately, but they both have dark pasts that they have to overcome to be with each other. I felt like I wanted more depth, as this was quite a short read and the resolution seemed too easy. I also wanted to know more about the characters, rather than the plot. I would also mention trigger warnings for childhood sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. Overall, a quick romance read.

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Caim (Antipodes 4) by T.S. Simons – Review by Netania Lim

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Caim (Antipodes #4)Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve enjoyed all the books in the Antipodes series so far. Caim probably has the most moral dilemmas of them all which make for a more challenging but nevertheless still enjoyable read. I was a bit confused at the start as this book is written from Freyja’s point of view rather than Cam’s but it was great to be able to get into her headspace because the plot is based on her character. Visitors come to Lewis where Freyja and Cam live, and bring horrifying information about a forced breeding program being implemented. In that sense, the utopia of previous novels quickly falls into a dystopia, in the same vein as other novels in the feminist dystopian genre that question whether the end justifies the means. It was also interesting to see how the community has attempted to become a more socially conscious/non-offensive society but perhaps humans are still sometimes not good people. This novel gets dark and probably needs some trigger warnings. Although the story centres on Freyja, I did enjoy getting to know more about some of the other characters in the book we’ve seen before but not gotten to know. Overall, a gripping read.

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Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Netania Lim

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Lake of Flowers (Lord Hani #5)Lake of Flowers by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read several of the novels in this series. Just like in previous ones I’ve read, Lake of Flowers (Lord Hani #5) is full of intrigue and mystery, both personal and political. This is a really fascinating period in Ancient Egyptian history, as the records were destroyed by later kings, so I loved being able to read a fictionalised version of what may have happened. The writing is so detailed and the historical aspects were so interesting. What really makes the novel interesting is Hani’s character development, as his ideals and his loyalty are tested. A cosy mystery read.

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Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance) (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Netania Lim

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Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance)Moonlit Kiss by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun, easy read, with plenty of romance and suspense. I am a bit of a sucker for a bit of tragedy and a bit of mystery, and of course, love conquers all. I also loved how Venice really came to life, having visited previously, and I loved all of the historical details, the old art, and the cultural elements that continue today. The ghostliness and the thinness of the veil of time were really intriguing and transportive, and I loved where the plot ended up. I have not read this author before but I look forward to reading other books by Amy McKinley soon!

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Ouroboros (Antipodes III) by T.S. Simons – Review by Netania Lim

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Ouroboros (Antipodes #3)Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I’ve read the first book in this series, I hadn’t read #2. I still really enjoyed this book and being able to read more about characters old and new and for the most part, it still made sense. I felt like the two main characters Cam and Freya really grow up and while their relationship deepens, they also feel like two very settled adults who’ve been through a lot but are also there for each other. I was a bit uncomfortable with how Amara was described as a Thai woman but other than that, I also enjoyed the many other characters in this world. So overall I felt like this novel is a bit more slow-paced than the first but it was still very much an enjoyable read.

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Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Netania Lim

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AntipodesAntipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a YA dystopian story that reimagines how the world might look like if we gave young people the chance to start over. The plot is creative and the characters are well-developed. I enjoyed the setting in Australia and Scotland, two places I love very much, and the details of the world-building make this book come alive. This was also a really interesting book to read in the middle of a pandemic and it had a lot of interesting commentary on inclusivity, sustainability, and equality. I don’t really read a lot of dystopian fiction but these themes and the focus on character rather than plot made this an enjoyable read for me.

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Murder at Honeybee Lake (Shadow of a Doubt Book 2) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Netania Lim

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Murder at Honeybee Lake (Shadow of a Doubt, #2)Murder at Honeybee Lake by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a paranormal crime novel with lots of plot twists and suspenseful moments. It kept me guessing until the very end. This book could be a bit triggering, although I think the subject matter was handled sensitively. I felt like the characters were less developed than I hoped for and there were a lot of characters to keep track of. it got a little repetitive at times but overall it was an interesting read.

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Electric Temptation (The Protectors Series Book 5) by Toya Richardson – Review by Netania Lim

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Electric Temptation (The Protectors, #5)Electric Temptation by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I hadn’t read the previous books in this series, but I was pulled into the story from the beginning and it wasn’t too confusing. It’s a well-written story and the chemistry between Delilah and Mason is gorgeous. It’s also set against a lot of action and drama in the community. I loved the paranormal elements and it’s a gripping read. Would love to read the rest of the series.

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Kissing the Kavalier by Annette Nauraine – Review by Netania Lim

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Kissing the KavalierKissing the Kavalier by Annette Nauraine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this historical romance that kept me turning the pages so that I read it one go. This novel is set in 1800s Vienna and inspired by Richard Strauss’s opera, Arabella, which I absolutely loved, having begun to enjoy opera during the past year of lockdown. The writing is gorgeous and the plot is extremely fast-paced, which kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. It reminded me a little of the first Bridgerton novel, only this novel was much more interesting and better written. I’d read any book by the author Annette Nauraine.

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Rebecca Remains by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Netania Lim

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Rebecca Remains (Shadow of a Doubt, #1)Rebecca Remains by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a gripping read, full of suspense and intrigue. It’s a mystery with some paranormal elements and there were some intense moments. The tension and drama had me guessing all the way through, and I hadn’t guessed all the plot reveals by the end of the book. The plot was developed more than the character Tessa but I still enjoyed all the action and tension. A great read!

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The Traveler: Chimera Rising (The Traveler Series, Book of Eleanor Book 3) by Shannon Nemechek – Review by Netania Lim

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The Traveler: Chimera Rising (The Book of Eleanor 3)The Traveler: Chimera Rising by Shannon Nemechek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having loved the other books in this series, I was looking forward to returning to Katie and Colm. These are books you should read in order. I love how the relationship between Katie and Colm is solid and instead the book focuses more on their interactions with other characters. I loved the time travel elements and all the world-building, but also the fast-paced plot that keeps you turning the page. There is plenty of magic and adventure in this story which I really enjoyed.

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Capturing Fate by Abbie Roads – by Netania Lim

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Capturing Fate (Fatal Truth, #2)Capturing Fate by Abbie Roads
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a book full of plots twists and action-packed. It has plenty of suspense and intensity right from the beginning. The connection between Dolan and Daught is romantic but they definitely go through a lot, both together but also in terms of their past and backstory. So I really enjoyed following their journey. This is a bit of a thriller/paranormal which is not normally my kind of genre, but I did enjoy this nail-biting rollercoaster ride of a book.

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Titanian’s Phoenix: Titanian Chronicles by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Netania Lim

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Titanian's Phoenix: Titanian ChroniclesTitanian’s Phoenix: Titanian Chronicles by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great read, with plenty of both old and new world fantasy, magical beings and powers, and tons of action. The worldbuilding is incredible and the descriptions are so vivid. I loved the idea of Maya and Soren supposedly fated to be mates but whatever their concerns, their romance is timeless, even with all of the action and adventure they go through as well. The other characters are also well-developed. This is definitely a page-turner read.

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Isle of Wings by E.A. Burnett – Review by Netania Lim

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Isle of Wings: A Silverglen Companion NovelIsle of Wings: A Silverglen Companion Novel by E.A. Burnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a well-written YA fantasy, with plenty of magic, adventure and suspense. The plot has lots of twists and turns and the world-building is so deftly woven. The main characters, Roana and Iniko, have an incredible journey of self-discovery and coming of age that doesn’t feel cliche or forced, and the characters are strong while also given space to grow and develop over the course of the novel. Even if you’re not a fan of fantasy, somehow this seems to transcend the genre.

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Echoes: Lucifer and the Dark Goddess by Nikki Broadwell – Review by Netania Lim

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Echoes--(Lucifer and the dark goddess book 1)Echoes– by Nikki Broadwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting fantasy read, though it has other elements of paranormal, drama, dystopia and mystical as well. I found the book difficult to get into in the beginning, and as the story went on the plot took so many twists it was hard to keep track of. There were many details in the world-building, some of which confused me, but I still enjoyed its vividness. The main character Fee is a strong female character but I also thought the supporting characters were well-developed, and I am definitely eager to find out what happens to Fee next.

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Unbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Netania Lim

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Unbroken VowUnbroken Vow by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is unique in its genre. It is a fantasy romance, but has old-world elements as well as modern ones, which makes it interesting. The detail is rich and vivid, though it was a little difficult to get into the rhythm of the book in the beginning. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the characters and the pacing of the story as well. Great read.

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