The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans

 

The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans 259 pages

Three years after losing his family in a Christmas Eve accident, grieving Paul Wanless hasn't just given up on Christmas, he's given up on life. He can't imagine anything to keep him here -- not his work as a computer repairman, not the residents in his Salt Lake City neighborhood, and certainly not the idea of connecting with someone new. When a stranger knocks on his door, claiming to be picking up a laptop, Paul allows him in -- but discovers the man has a very different mission in mind. The mysterious stranger's name is Gabriel, and when Paul finds himself opening up to his visitor, Gabriel tells him, "I wouldn't do it, if I were you. It's not what you think." He then departs without another word. Paul brushes the experience aside as some trick of the imagination ... until he crosses paths with a young widow and her bullied son, who've also received a visit from Gabriel. Has Gabriel brought new people into his life for a reason ... but why? And who -- or what -- really is this Christmas stranger?

I know it is not Christmas, but I wanted to read it because it is new.  What a sad book with a surprising ending, but very enjoyable!

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

 

House of Flame and Shadow (Crescent City #3) by Sarah J. Maas, 816 p.

"The stunning third book in the sexy, action-packed Crescent City series, following the global bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath.

Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she's going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that's no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust.

Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he's in the Asteri's dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce's fate. He's desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri's leash, his hands are quite literally tied.

In this sexy, breathtaking sequel to the #1 bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath, Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City series reaches new heights as Bryce and Hunt's world is brought to the brink of collapse-with its future resting on their shoulders." --Amazon blurb

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas

House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City #2) by Sarah J. Maas

"Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent. " --Amazon blurb

Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas

Crescent City (Crescent City #1) by Sarah J. Maas, 803 p.

"Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She'll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss's enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he's offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City's underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they'd only let it." --Amazon blurb

Ledge by Stacey McEwan

Ledge (The Glacian Trilogy #1) by Stacey McEwan, 271 p.

CW:  gratuitous violence & death; death of a minor; suicide; attempted sexual assault

"After being randomly selected as a human sacrifice, instead of death, Dawsyn finds herself on a quest to save her people from their icy prison...

In a place known as the Ledge, a civilization is trapped by a vast chasm and sheer mountain face. There is no way for anyone to escape the frozen wasteland without befalling a deathly drop. They know nothing of the outside world except that it is where the Glacians reside – mystical and vicious winged creatures who bring meagre rations in exchange for a periodic human sacrifice.

Dawsyn, ax wielder and only remaining member of her family, has so far avoided the annual culling, but her luck has run out. She is chosen and ripped from her icy home, the only world she knows. No one knows what will happen to her on the other side, least of all Dawsyn. Murdered? Enslaved? Worse?

Fortunately, a half-Glacian called Ryon offers to help them both escape, but how can she trust one of the very creatures that plagued her life? Dawsyn is a survivor, and she is not afraid to cut anyone down to live.

With a slow-burning romance, high stakes and even higher rewards, this richly created new fantasy series by popular TikToker Stacey McEwan will keep you gripped to the very end."--Goodreads blurb

I found this hilariouis author through TikTok ("Booktok") and while she is very funny, this book is not a comedy at all.  This is a very original world with pretty good worldbuilding and interesting characters. While there were some plot holes, I was definitely kept intrigued throughout the book. Enemies to lovers story to a tee! I will read McEwan again for sure!

Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Dreams of Gods & Monsters, 613 p.

"Two worlds are poised on the brink of a vicious war. By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera's rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her.

When the brutal angel emperor brings his army to the human world, Karou and Akiva are finally reunited—not in love, but in a tentative alliance against their common enemy. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people. And, perhaps, for themselves.

But with even bigger threats on the horizon, are Karou and Akiva strong enough to stand among the gods and monsters?

The New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy comes to a stunning conclusion as—from the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond—humans, chimaera, and seraphim strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy."--Goodreads blurb

While I can see the draw to this series by fantasy lovers and teens, this just wasn't the series for me. This last installment was a complete disappointment. I will say I was kept in the story just enough by the author to give her another try in the future. 

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor, 517 p.

"Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope. But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?"--Goodreads blurb

I'm not sure if I would have stuck out this book (series, really) if not for listening to it on audiobook. The narrator really brings the characters to life in a story that is really just so-so for me. I'll be finishing out this series because I want to see how the story arc ends, but I will also be glad for it to be over. 

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor, 418 p.

"Around the world, black hand prints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real, she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands", she speaks many languages - not all of them human - and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.

When beautiful, haunted Akiva fixes fiery eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?"--Goodreads blurb

This is my second re-read of the month so I could finish out a series. I remember not being blown away by this first installment years ago, which is why I didn't finish it then, but it has been all over social media and people seem to love it. The story has some fun characters, an interesting main character, and intriguing storyline. I do see why teen readers would love this book. I will continue on with the second book.
 

The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout, 628 p.
 

"Casteel Da’Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could’ve prepared for the staggering revelations. The magnitude of what the Blood Queen has done is almost unthinkable.

Nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King and destroying everything the Blood Crown stands for. With the strength of the Primal of Life’s guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her way—because there can be no retreat this time. Not if she has any hope of building a future where both kingdoms can reside in peace.

Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dear—to protect those who cannot defend themselves. But war is only the beginning. Ancient primal powers have already stirred, revealing the horror of what began eons ago. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to be—what she fears the most."--Goodreads blurb

This latest installment of the series starts right where it left off. There is a lot of genealogical backstory revealed in this book, a lot of magics revealed in this book, and a lot of self-realization in this book. This series is typical Armentrout, which isn't a bad thing. "Spice" warning for this one, for sure. 

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas

House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City #2) by Sarah J. Maas, 805 p.

"Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.

In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it."--Goodreads blurb

After looking forward to this second book so much, it just fell a bit flat for me. I really liked the character development between Bryce and Ruhn and other friends, and there were some good twists, but this second installment lacked the emotion of the first. I did like that we got chapters from different character viewpoints and new magical abilities were revealed that set up the next book in the series. While this one suffered a sophomore slump, the third book will be on my must-read.
 

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City #1) by Sarah J. Maas, 803 p.
 

"Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—working hard all day and partying all night—until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose—to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion—one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it."--Goodreads blurb

This was a re-read for me to prepare for the release of the second book. Maas is one of my go-to, easy read and while I love all of her big series, this newer series from her has become my favorite. As usual with Maas, a strong female lead takes center stage, with great friendship and relationship bonds. Great twists and turns with this story, and while I shed real actual tears with this one too. Looking forward to the second one!

Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Rage and Ruin (The Harbinger #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout, 468 p.

"Half-angel Trinity and her bonded gargoyle protector, Zayne, have been working with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all." --Goodreads blurb

The second book in this series was just as fun as the first, with relationships changing, yet growing, bridges being burnt and bridges being built. Trinity is a pretty funny character, and comes across as the awkward (yet SO wordly, right?) 18 year old that she is. Hormones are at play, but so is right and wrong, evil and justice. 
 

Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout, 512 p.

"Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed." -- Goodreads blurb    

This was a pretty good read in a new urban fantasy world with angels, gargoyles, and demons. Admittedly, this isn't my usual fantasy, but it was fun to read with good characters and plot. I will continue on with the series. Armentrout is an easy-to-read storyteller and can be counted on for more romance-y books.
 

A Terrible Fall of Angels by Laurell K. Hamilton

A Terrible Fall of Angels by Laurell K. Hamilton - 388 pages

This book is the first in a new series for the the prolific Hamilton.  Zaniel Havelock is a cop that can talk to the divine which makes him the one tapped to investigate a demon possession murder.  Hamilton unfortunately falls back into her pattern of being way to in the head of the characters and having them voice every thought in their heads to the other characters as an exposition dump for the reader.  Hopefully other books in the series will be better since this world building is out of the way now.  
 

An Unseen Angel by Alissa Parker

An Unseen Angel by Alissa Parker, 179 pages

So many books have been written about school shooters and the situations themselves, but not much is ever written about the victims and their families.  Alissa Parker's daughter, Emilie, was one of the children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary mass shooting.  The book is so beautifully written and so filled with details of what they as a family were going through that day.  And, what they went through immediately afterword.  I can't even imagine the pain Alissa and her husband and her two other daughters were feeling.  On her path to peace, she met with the shooter's father and found forgiveness.  This book was not only Alissa's story but one I am sure other victim's of mass shootings may find comfort in reading.  Unseen Angel is a gift to the reader on how to find peace and strength.  This book will make you cry.

Brush of Wings by Karen Kingsbury

Brush of Wings by Karen Kingsbury - 326 pages

 Against the advice of her doctor, Mary Catherine moves to Uganda to work at a new orphanage. Whatever time she has left, Mary Catherine wants to spend it helping children – especially since she is unable to have children of her own. The only problem is Marcus Dillinger, the Major League Baseball player she was never meant to fall in love with. But neither Marcus nor Mary Catherine’s other friends – Tyler Ames and Sami Dawson – know just how serious her heart condition is.

  Still, Marcus suspects something isn’t right. After months of silence, a divinely timed letter from Mary Catherine leads him on a desperate life-or-death mission to rescue her and get her to a US hospital before time runs out. Meanwhile, as Sami and Tyler prepare to marry, the group receives shocking news that changes everyone’s plans.

  The team of angels walking is busier than ever in this epic battle between life and death. Brush of Wings is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of faith.

Chasing Sunsets by Karen Kingsbury

Chasing Sunsets by Karen Kingsbury - 316 pages


Growing up in a comfortable home, Mary Catherine wanted for nothing. Though she loves her wealthy parents, their lifestyle never appealed to her. Instead, Mary Catherine pursues meaning through charity work, giving away a part of herself but never giving away her heart.

Mary Catherine lives in Los Angeles with her roommate, Sami, and volunteers at a local youth center with coach Tyler Ames and LA Dodger Marcus Dillinger. Despite Mary Catherine’s intention to stay single, she finds herself drawing close to Marcus, and their budding romance offers an exciting life she never dreamed of. That is, until she receives devastating news from her doctor. News that alters her future and forces her to make a rash decision.

Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury

Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury - 360  pages

In Angels Walking, former baseball star Tyler Ames suffers a career-ending injury. As he tries to put his life back together the way it was before, he discovers the devastating news that his one true love, Sami Dawson, has moved on. When a small series of miracles leads Tyler to form a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s, he realizes that she might have the answers he so desperately seeks. Can a team of Angels Walking restore hope and bring healing for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia? And can the words of a stranger rekindle lost love?

Growing up in a comfortable home, Mary Catherine, in Chasing Sunsets, never yearned for an extravagant lifestyle the way her parents did. Instead, she pursues meaning through charity work, giving away a part of herself but never giving away her heart. But she finds herself drawn to LA Dodger Marcus Dillinger when she volunteers with her roommate Sami at a local youth center, and she discovers an exciting life she never dreamed of. That is, until she receives devastating news from her doctor that alters her future and forces her to make a rash decision.

Finally, in Brush of Wings, Mary Catherine moves to Uganda to work at an orphanage against the advice of her doctor. She may not have long to live, but she chooses to help others with the time she has left. The only problem is Marcus, the man she never meant to fall in love with. He knows something is wrong, and after months of silence from Mary Catherine, a divinely timed letter leads him on a desperate life-or-death mission. Then his friends receive shocking news that changes everyone’s plans. The angels in their midst are doing everything they can to make sure their mission succeeds.

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare - 536 pages
Mortal Instruments #5

Jace has disappeared.  While the Clave has stopped its search for Jace and Sebastian, his friends won't.  Clary has a plan to go with Jace and discover what Sebastian's plans are.  Meanwhile, the others are raising demons and angels in an attempt to figure out how to separate Jace and Sebastian without killing both of them.

This is the fifth of the Mortal Instruments series.  It was a great addition to the series -- advancing both character development and the over-arching plot.  I'm looking forward to reading the final book in the series.

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare - 541 pages

Clary travels to Idris, the city of the Shadowhunters, in her quest to wake her mother from the coma.  Things are complicated when Simon is imprisoned by the Inquisitor and Valentine sends a spy into Idris to destroy its wards keeping the demons out.  Now Shadowhunters and Downworlders must work together or all will be lost as Valentine sets his final plans in motion.

This is the third book in the Mortal Instruments series.  It ties up the Valentine story arc.  I actually liked this book best in the series so far.