Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton & Rebecca Podos

Homegrown Magic - 368 pages

Jamie Pacton & Rebecca Podos

Summary (From Goodreads)

A delightful queer romantic fantasy full of friends-to-lovers chemistry, found family, rival family drama, and cozy garden magic from two acclaimed YA authors making their debut in the adult space.

Yael Clauneck is the only scion of an obscenely wealthy banking family with its fingers in every pie in the realm. They’re on the precipice of a predetermined life when they flee their own graduation party, galloping away in search of…well, they’re not sure, but maybe the chance to feel like life can still be a grand adventure.

Margot Greenwillow—talented plant witch, tea lover, and greenhouse owner—has never felt further from adventure in her life. She’s been desperately trying to keep what remains of her family's magic remedies business afloat. So when her childhood friend and former crush, Yael, rides back into her life, she’s shocked. But perhaps this could be a good thing. After all, Margot could use an assistant in the greenhouses.

Yael has no experience or, honestly, practical skills, but they’re delighted to accept. They can lay low for a while, flirting with Margot while they figure out what to do next. Meanwhile, Margot has plans of her own—but plans are notoriously unreliable things, unlikely to survive a swiftly blooming mutual attraction, not to mention the machinations of parents determined to get their heir back . . . no matter the cost.

Review

I came for the nonbinary representation and friends-to-lovers dynamic; I stayed for the excellent worldbuilding and cottage-core aesthetic.  I've always been a fan of the quieter, more "mundane" uses for magic, and a heartbreak-healing strawberry jam fits the bill perfectly!  The pacing is a bit more relaxed, as tends to be the case for books in the "cozy" style of a given genre, and the detailed descriptions paint a vibrant picture of a magical world.  

Paladin's Grace

Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher | 366 pages | 2020

Whilst foraging for startleflower, perfumer Grace finds herself pursued by ruffians and rescued by a handsome paladin in shining armour. Only, to outwit her hunters they must pretend to be doing something very unrespectable in an alleyway.

Stephen, a broken paladin, spends his time knitting socks and working as a bodyguard, living only for the chance to be useful. But that all changes when he saves Grace and witnesses an assassination attempt gone wrong. Now, Stephen and Grace must navigate a web of treachery and poisoners, while a cryptic killer stalks one step behind.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

This was much more of a romance than I expected based on how it was recommended to me, but I'm okay with that! Grace and Stephen were both really wonderful characters on their own, and very sweet together. Three cheers for middle aged romance and mentions of back pain. Because the focus ended up being more on the romance, the mystery of the murders took a back seat and seems set up to progress further in the next book, which certainly makes me want to read it because that reveal was super creepy and cool.

Overall a great pick for a slightly-less-spicy Romantasy!

House of Flame and Shadow

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas | 835 pages | 2024

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.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

House of Sky and Breath

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas | 805 pages | 2022

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.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

House of Earth and Blood

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas | 803 pages | 2020

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.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

It's my second time reading this one, and I still feel like it's 4 stars. She built a really cool world, and I think the balance between urban and fantasy works very well. Basically a whole star gets taken for the terrible supervillain info dump that happens at the climax, which is so clumsy and lengthy that it slows down the momentum.

Onyx Storm

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros | 527 pages | 2025

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Apparently it was good that my expectations were in the basement, because I actually enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. Definitely helps that there was a lot less secret-keeping and miscommunication in this one. I'm also a big fan of a "let's explore new lands" story, so that kept me interested through the middle.

Since I was reading on Kindle (so I didn't really have the map) and didn't reread the previous two books, I was completely lost just about every time she mentioned a place or a character (of which there are a million), but I just skated on by and got the gist of the story anyway.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Onyx Storm (The Empyrean #3) by Rebecca Yarros with Justis Bolding (Narrator), Rebecca Soler (Narrator), Teddy Hamilton (Narrator), Jasmin Walker (Narrator), 24 hours (527 pages)

"After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty.

Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath."--Provided by publisher

While worth the read, for sure, this was a middling addition to the Empyrean series. I think because what was supposed to be a trilogy was turned into a 50-book series, Iron Flame and Onyx Storm both seem drawn out and a bit repetitive. I would have loved some more world building as there was ample scenarios to do so with the travel the core of characters did. I am fully invested in the characters and storyline at this point, even though I am hoping this series picks up a bit with the next two books. 

 

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros with Teddy Hamilton (Narrator), Rebecca Soler (Narrator), 28 hrs, 17 min (623 pages)

"Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College, Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky. 

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves. 

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules. 

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year. Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College, and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end."--Provided by publisher

The sophomore book in this series fell a bit flat for me. I found our MC Violet (and Andarna) quite frustrating in this storyline, and the book goes from 0 to 100 and back again over and over, pulling you in all directions. However, the story progressed and I found several story arcs very emotional. And then that ending...

 

Onyx Storm (Empyrean, #3) by Rebecca Yarros

Onyx Storm (Empyrean, #3) by Rebecca Yarros-527 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Xaden, Violet, and her squad continue their journey both within the confines of Basgiath War College and throughout Navarre, Poromiel, and beyond. Onyx Storm picks up right where Iron Flame left off (and it ended with a bang, for sure). 

In the aftermath of the Battle at Basgiath, Violet and Andarna are set on searching for more of Andarna's kind. This search leads them to unexpected places, including several islands off the coast of Amarylis/The Continent. 

There is more than one big reveal and the ending is a huge cliffhanger (just like the first two books).

A Court of Frost and Starlight

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas | 272 pages | 2018

Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly altered world beyond, recovering from the war that changed everything. But Winter Solstice is finally approaching, and with it, the joy of a hard-earned reprieve.

Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, her concern for those dearest to her deepens. They have more wounds than she anticipated-scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

A Court of Wings and Ruin

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas | 703 pages | 2017

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything-and everyone-she holds dear.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master her powers-both magical and political-and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

A Court of Mist and Fury

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas | 626 pages | 2016

Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she's now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.

As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre's hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

A Court of Thorns and Roses

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas | 419 pages | 2015

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world. At least, he’s not a beast all the time.

As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

My third re-read, inspired by a trivia night and a lull between books. Still very engaging, and it's always fun to pick up new things and read through the lens of "I know what happens next."

The Hemlock Queen by Hannah Whitten

 

The Hemlock Queen by Hannah Whitten | 400 pages | 2024

The corrupt king August is dead. Prince Bastian has seized the throne and raised Lore—a necromancer and former smuggler—to his right hand side. Together they plan to cut out the rot from the heart of the sainted court and help the people of Dellaire. But not everyone is happy with the changes. The nobles are sowing dissent, the Kyrithean Empire is beating down their door, and Lore's old allies are pulling away. Even Prince Bastian's changed. No longer the hopeful, rakish, charismatic man Lore knows and loves, instead he's reckless, domineering and cold. 
And something's been whispering in her ear. A voice, dark and haunting, that's telling her there's more to the story than she knows and more to her power than she can even imagine. A truth buried deep that could change everything.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

I had so much trouble getting into this, despite loving the first book in the series. All the characters were so on edge after events I was having trouble remembering, and the movement seemed very slow. The second half picked up the pace and things started to make more sense. After the way it ended I'm still very invested in the series, with high hopes for book three!

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

 

 

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas | 848 pages | 2024

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, 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.

(Synopsis from Goodreads)

This was a worthy conclusion to the Crescent City series, and I devoured it as fast as I could. The crossovers are done well, the action is fast-paced, and the relationships are as good as readers expect from SJM. 

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses #4)  by Sarah J. Maas, 757 p.

"Nesta Archeron has always been prickly – proud, swift to anger and slow to forgive. And since the war – since being made High Fae against her will – she's struggled to forget the horrors she endured and find a place for herself within the strange and deadly Night Court.

The person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred, winged warrior who is there at Nesta's every turn. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. And when they are forced to train in battle together, sparks become flame.

As the threat of war casts its shadow over them once again, Nesta and Cassian must fight monsters from within and without if they are to stand a chance of halting the enemies of their court. But the ultimate risk will be searching for acceptance – and healing – in each other's arms."--Goodreads blurb 

As this was a re-read, here is my original review - "Well Maas knew what she was doing when she set everybody up to hate Nesta. Write a whole book about her and get people to feel sorry for her and feel guilty into liking her. Well it generally worked. Nesta makes a lot of decisions in this book that are frustrating, but her character development, romantic relationship and friendship developments are great in this book. I really enjoyed it." After this re-read, I feel like I like Nesta even more, and I feel like there's a love triangle brewing for Elaine.  

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

 

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas, 705 p.

"FEYRE WILL BRING VENGEANCE.

She has left the Night Court - and her High Lord - and is playing a deadly game of deceit. In the Spring Court, Tamlin is making deals with the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees, and Feyre is determined to uncover his plans. But to do so she must weave a web of lies, and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.As mighty armies grapple for power, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords - and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

BUT WHILE WAR RAGES, IT IS HER HEART THAT WILL FACE THE GREATEST BATTLE." --Amazon blurb

This was a re-read for me, and I never mind catching up with Maas series. I feel like my my previous review stukk stands  - "I feel like this has been the best book for character development, though I felt there was quite a bit of filler in this book. Nesta is really, really hard to like, and Elaine grated on me a bit, too. How can she be so innocent with sisters like hers?" After this re-read, I feel like I like Nesta a lot more, and I feel like there's a love triangle brewing for Elaine. 

The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines, #6) by Richelle Mead

 The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines, #6) by Richelle Mead-348 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐✩

Sydney and Adrian have escaped the Alchemists for now and are temporarily safe at Moroi court. However, many Moroi and others are skeptical of a human and Moroi marriage, so it's awkward even there. Jill is missing and Sydney and Adrian want to help find her, but can't risk leaving Moroi court. They want a happily ever after and be left alone once they find Jill. Will they find Jill? Will they get their happily ever after? I did like this book and there are some twists and turns. Overall, it is a satisfying end to the series, but I do feel it was a bit rushed. I did like the ending to the book, though. 

Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros

 Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros-623 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I've been eagerly awaiting this sequel to Fourth Wing since I finished it. Fourth Wing is my favorite book I read this year (so far). Iron Flame picks up right where Fourth Wing ended and keeps the action going constantly. So much happens in Iron Flame and there are definitely some jaw-dropping moments. Violet is as much of a bad ass as ever. The relationship between Violet and Xaden is a bit infuriating, frustrating at times, especially Violet taking so long to admit her feelings for Xaden. The stakes continue to get ever higher throughout the book. The ending is just as much of a cliffhanger as Fourth Wing's and it's emotionally wracking. I was thinking no, no, no, it can't end like that!! I'm already anticipating the next book (there are supposedly going to be five total) and I hope it doesn't have such an emotional ending. This series is soooooo good thus far, though.