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. 

One For My Enemy by Olivie Blake

 

One For My Enemy by Olivie Blake, 432 p.

In modern-day Manhattan where we lay our scene, two rival witch families fight to maintain control of their respective criminal ventures.On one side of the conflict are the Antonova sisters — each one beautiful, cunning, and ruthless — and their mother, the elusive supplier of premium intoxicants, known only as Baba Yaga. On the other side, the influential Fedorov brothers serve their father, the crime boss known as Koschei the Deathless, whose community extortion ventures dominate the shadows of magical Manhattan.

After twelve years of tenuous co-existence, a change in one family’s interests causes a rift in the existing stalemate. When bad blood brings both families to the precipice of disaster, fate intervenes with a chance encounter, and in the aftershocks of a resurrected conflict, everyone must choose a side. As each of the siblings struggles to stake their claim, fraying loyalties threaten to rot each side from the inside out.If, that is, the enmity between empires doesn’t destroy them first."--Goodreads blurb

I was really looking forward to this as I thought it had quite a lot of potential to be something I’d enjoy. Rival witch families and star-crossed lovers seems like a great time. But this just wasn’t for me. Atlas Six wasn’t for me either, so I think I’ve discovered that Blake just isn’t for me. And that’s fine! I can recognize wonderful prose when I see it, and while that’s definitely happening in this story, it nonetheless was only a 3-star for me. There were too many plots drawn out for too long, yet somehow it was such a straight retelling that it seemed boring at times. How does that happen? The central characters seemed quite erratic and the magic system could have been so cool, but it just wasn’t.

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

Hell Bent (Alex Stearn) by Leigh Bardugo, 484 p.

"Find a gateway to the underworld. Steal a soul out of hell. A simple plan, except people who make this particular journey rarely come back. But Galaxy “Alex” Stern is determined to break Darlington out of purgatory―even if it costs her a future at Lethe and at Yale.

Forbidden from attempting a rescue, Alex and Dawes can’t call on the Ninth House for help, so they assemble a team of dubious allies to save the gentleman of Lethe. Together, they will have to navigate a maze of arcane texts and bizarre artifacts to uncover the societies’ most closely guarded secrets, and break every rule doing it. But when faculty members begin to die off, Alex knows these aren’t just accidents. Something deadly is at work in New Haven, and if she is going to survive, she’ll have to reckon with the monsters of her past and a darkness built into the university’s very walls. Thick with history and packed with Bardugo’s signature twists, Hell Bent brings to life an intricate world full of magic, violence, and all too real monsters." --Goodreads blurb

More backstory to the great character development in book 1. I didn't think the storyline was as tight as the first book, but it didn't suffer from sophomore slump at all. I really love this series. 

 

Damned Souls and a Sangria by Annette Marie

Damned Souls and a Sangria (The Guild Codex: Spellbound #8) by Annette Marie, 370

"Once upon a time, I was your average spunky redhead with the lamest employment history ever, a shaky relationship with my only family member, and no idea what I was doing with my life.

Now, I'm a pseudo mythic with the best bartending job in the world, the most amazing (and hot) best friends I never knew I needed, and a guild of misfit magic-users who've become my extended family. And I'm about to lose it all.

In my desperation to save Ezra, I stumbled into a web of ruthless deception—and seriously pissed off a sleeping hydra. Now its every murderous head is turned toward me and my guild, and I don't know how to stop it. I'm not sure I can. I'm not sure anyone can. But if we don't, we're all doomed—Ezra, Aaron, Kai, and my beloved guild."--Goodreads blurb

This was a fun series that I'm glad I heard about on bookish social media. They were fast, fun reads with good action and a strong, funny female lead. 

Lost Talisman and a Tequila by Annette Marie

Lost Talisman and a Tequila (The Guild Codex: Spellbound #7) by Annette Marie, 344 p.

"You know that squirmy sensation in your gut when you have no idea what you're doing and you're about to screw everything up? Yeah, that feeling.

I thought I was a good judge of character, but recent events proved me very wrong. Now, in a brilliant demonstration of my newfound caution, I'm putting all my faith in a demon—a demon who's tried to kill me before. The squirmy feeling is making sense, right? Unfortunately, I don't have any other options. Ezra's time is almost up, which means I need answers and I need them fast. So it's time to toughen up, pack my gear, and find me one of the most illegal, reviled, and scarce mythics out there: a demon-mage summoner." And all I have to do is follow a demon's instructions on where to look. How could that go wrong?" -- Goodreads blurb

This was a fun series that I'm glad I heard about on bookish social media. They were fast, fun reads with good action and a strong, funny female lead. 

 

Druid Vices and a Vodka by Annette Marie

Druid Vices and a Vodka (The Guild Codex: Spellbound #6) by Annette Marie, 390 p.

"I've said it before, but sometimes I'm a bad person. I cheated on my twelfth grade math final, I've run countless yellow lights, and I gossip about how hot my kickass best friends are. (Good thing my job as a guild bartender doesn't require moral perfection.) 

But there's bad, and then there's bad. And I'm not sure which applies to a certain dark druid/wanted criminal/reluctant friend of mine. His transgressions include black-magic dealings, kidnapping, and murder, and he's about to add "revenge-fueled killing spree" to his resume—if I don't stop him. Should I stop him?

He and his nemesis are gearing up to tear each other apart, rogues and vultures are converging with their sights on the spoils, and the guilds that would normally stomp them into the ground are under attack. We're on the brink of an all-out criminal turf war, and my time to decide is almost up. Who's the real bad guy ... and do I dare stand in his way?"--Goodreads blurb

This was a fun series that I'm glad I heard about on bookish social media. They were fast, fun reads with good action and a strong, funny female lead. 

 

The Alchemist and an Amaretto by Annette Marie

The Alchemist and an Amaretto (The Guild Codex: Spellbound #5) by Annette Marie, 340 p.

"As a guild bartender, I can handle pretty much anything--mages, sorcerers, witches, the occasional demon. But show me anything family-related and I'd rather run for the hills. It doesn't even have to be my family. So I have no idea why I thought spending the holidays with Aaron's mom and pop was a good idea.

Meeting his famous parents is already terrifying enough, but I've got a bigger problem. Students of his family's renowned mage academy are being attacked on the grounds--and somehow no one has seen a single assailant? Unexplained tracks litter the nearby woods, rumors of forbidden alchemy are circulating the campus. . . and Ezra has been acting strangely since we arrived. Something deadly is brewing in the shadow of Sinclair Academy, and the longer we take to uncover it, the more dangerous it becomes. But no matter the risk, we'll protect the students. And Aaron's parents too, I suppose. If we have to."--Goodreads blurb

This was a fun series that I'm glad I heard about on bookish social media. They were fast, fun reads with good action and a strong, funny female lead. 

Demon Magic and a Martini by Annette Marie

Demon Magic and a Martini (The Guild Codex: Spellbound #4) by Annette Marie, 314 p.

"When I first landed a bartending job at the local guild, I didn't know a thing about magic. These days, I'm practically an expert on the different magical classes, but there's one nobody ever talks about: Demonica.

Turns out they have a good reason for that. My guild is strictly hellion-free, because who wants to risk life and limb to control the biggest bullies on the mythic playground? Well, some people do, and now a demon has been loosed in the city. My three best friends are determined to slay it, but even badass combat mages are critically out-magicked. And that's not all. The monster they're tracking—it's not hiding. It's not fleeing. It's not leaving a trail of corpses everywhere it goes.The demon is hunting too. And in a city full of mythics, it's searching for deadlier prey. If we can’t unravel the demon’s sinister motivations, more innocent people will die, but finding the answers means digging into dark secrets … and learning truths I never wanted to know." --Goodreads blurb

This was a fun series that I'm glad I heard about on bookish social media. They were fast, fun reads with good action and a strong, funny female lead. 

Two Witches and a Whiskey by Annette Marie

 

Two Witches and a Whiskey (The Guild Codex: Spellbound #3) by Annette Marie, 328 p.

"Three months ago, I landed a job as a bartender. But not at a bar—at a guild. Yeah, the magic kind.

I'm not a badass mage like my three smokin' hot best friends. I'm not a sorcerer or an alchemist, or even a wussy witch. I'm just a human, slinging drinks like a pro and keeping my non-magical nose out of mythic business. Seriously, I know my limits. So why am I currently standing in a black-magic ritual circle across from a fae lord?

Somewhere behind me, my three mage friends are battling for their lives. Somewhere near my feet is the rogue witch I just knocked out with a stolen spell. And I have about five seconds to convince this very angry sea god not to shmoosh me like a bug. I'm pretty sure this wasn't part of the job description."--Goodreads blurb

This was a fun series that I'm glad I heard about on bookish social media. They were fast, fun reads with good action and a strong, funny female lead. 

Dark Arts and a Daiquiri by Annette Marie

Dark Arts and a Daiquiri (The Guild Codex: Spellbound #2) by Annette Marie, 308 p.  

"When I found myself facing down the scariest black-magic felon in the city, practically daring him to abduct me, I had to wonder exactly how I ended up here. It all started when I accidentally landed a job as a bartender--but not at a bar. At a guild, populated by mages, sorcerers, alchemists, witches, and psychics. Good thing this lame-o human is adaptable, right?

Then my favorite guild members--three sexy, powerful, and intermittently charming mages--asked for my help. Did they want access to my encyclopedic knowledge of cocktails? Oh no. They wanted to wrap me up in a pretty ribbon and plunk me in the crosshairs of a murderous rogue to lure him out of hiding.

So that's what we did. And that's why I'm here. About to be kidnapped. Oh, and our grand plan for safely capturing said murderous rogue? Yeah, that completely fell apart about two minutes ago. Why did I agree to this again?"--Goodreads blurb

This was a fun series that I'm glad I heard about on bookish social media. They were fast, fun reads with good action and a strong, funny female lead. 

Three Mages and a Margarita by Annette Marie

 

Three Mages and a Margarita (The Guild Codex: Spellbound #1) by Annette Marie, 312 p.

"Broke, almost homeless, and recently fired. Those are my official reasons for answering a wanted ad for a skeevy-looking bartender gig.

It went downhill the moment they asked me to do a trial shift instead of an interview - to see if I'd mesh with their "special" clientele. I think that part went great. Their customers were complete dickheads, and I was an asshole right back. That's the definition of fitting in, right? I expected to get thrown out on my ass. Instead, they...offered me the job?

It turns out this place isn't a bar. It's a guild. And the three cocky guys I drenched with a margarita during my trial? Yeah, they were mages. Either I'm exactly the kind of takes-no-sh*t bartender this guild needs, or there's a good reason no one else wants to work here. So what's a broke girl to do? Take the job, of course - with a pay raise."-Goodreads blurb

This was a fun series that I'm glad I heard about on bookish social media. They were fast, fun reads with good action and a strong, funny female lead. 

Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson

 

Her Majesty's Royal Coven (Her Majesty's Royal Coven #1) by Juno Dawson, 448 p.

"A Discovery of Witches meets The Craft in this the first installment of this epic fantasy trilogy about a group of childhood friends who are also witches.

If you look hard enough at old photographs, we're there in the background: healers in the trenches; Suffragettes; Bletchley Park oracles; land girls and resistance fighters. Why is it we help in times of crisis? We have a gift. We are stronger than Mundanes, plain and simple.

At the dawn of their adolescence, on the eve of the summer solstice, four young girls--Helena, Leonie, Niamh and Elle--took the oath to join Her Majesty's Royal Coven, established by Queen Elizabeth I as a covert government department. Now, decades later, the witch community is still reeling from a civil war and Helena is now the reigning High Priestess of the organization. Yet Helena is the only one of her friend group still enmeshed in the stale bureaucracy of HMRC. Elle is trying to pretend she's a normal housewife, and Niamh has become a country vet, using her powers to heal sick animals. In what Helena perceives as the deepest betrayal, Leonie has defected to start her own more inclusive and intersectional coven, Diaspora. And now Helena has a bigger problem. A young warlock of extraordinary capabilities has been captured by authorities and seems to threaten the very existence of HMRC. With conflicting beliefs over the best course of action, the four friends must decide where their loyalties lie: with preserving tradition, or doing what is right.

Juno Dawson explores gender and the corrupting nature of power in a delightful and provocative story of magic and matriarchy, friendship and feminism. Dealing with all the aspects of contemporary womanhood, as well as being phenomenally powerful witches, Niamh, Helena, Leonie and Elle may have grown apart but they will always be bound by the sisterhood of the coven." --Goodreads blurb

This was a fantastic surprise for me, as I fell in love with this book. I realized too late that it was the first in a series, and I usually try not to read series books until there are at least a couple out in the series, because like some kind of addict, I get angry when I can't continue on with a story I love when I know there is going to be more! This was a quintessential good vs. evil, yet there were some grey characters. I'm new to this author, and while it did get a little mired in the "lesson" of the book at times, I really loved this book and these characters. Can't wait until the next one is out!

Cazadora by Romina Garber

Cazadora (Wolves of No World #2) by Romina Garber, 400 p.

"In Cazadora, Romina Garber weaves together Argentine folklore and what it means to be illegal in a timely, intimate, and emotionally powerful narrative. Werewolves. Witches. Romance. Resistance. Enter a world straight out of Argentine folklore...

Following the events of Lobizona, Manu and her friends cross the mystical border into Kerana--a cursed realm in Argentina--searching for allies and a hiding place. As they chase down leads about the Coven--a mythical resistance manada that might not even exist--the Cazadores chase down leads about Manu, setting up traps to capture and arrest her.

Just as it seems the Cazadores have Manu and her friends cornered, the Coven answers their call for help. As Manu catches her breath among these non-conforming Septimus, she discovers they need a revolution as much as she does. But is she the right one to lead them? After all, hybrids aren't just outlawed. They're feared and reviled. What happens when the Coven learns of Manu's dual heritage? Will they still protect her? Or will they betray her? And after running this far, for this long--how much farther can Manu go before her feet get tired, and she stops to take a stand?"-- Goodreads blurb

The second book in this series was more of the same of the first, which isn't a bad thing. The Argentinian folklore and mythology, along with the character development and the relationship building of the characters made this a great read. It moved very fast and was over before I knew it. A lot of readers were angry because this was touted as being a duology, but it was very apparent when this ended that another book is anticipated. I personally was glad to hear it and will be reading it when released!
 

Lobizona by Romina Garber

Lobizona (Wolves of No World #1) by Romina Garber, 400 p.

"Manuela Azul has been crammed into an existence that feels too small for her. As an undocumented immigrant who's on the run from her father's Argentine crime-family, Manu is confined to a small apartment and a small life in Miami, Florida. Until Manu's protective bubble is shattered.

Her surrogate grandmother is attacked, lifelong lies are exposed, and her mother is arrested by ICE. Without a home, without answers, and finally without shackles, Manu investigates the only clue she has about her past--a mysterious "Z" emblem—which leads her to a secret world buried within our own. A world connected to her dead father and his criminal past. A world straight out of Argentine folklore, where the seventh consecutive daughter is born a bruja and the seventh consecutive son is a lobizón, a werewolf. A world where her unusual eyes allow her to belong.

As Manu uncovers her own story and traces her real heritage all the way back to a cursed city in Argentina, she learns it's not just her U.S. residency that's illegal. . . .it's her entire existence."--Goodreads blurb

This was a really unique story and world. It has such a great paranormal vibe and the world-building was pretty original. While it had a very Harry Potter feel to it, it actually talked about the parallels of HP to the main character's life. It went a little far for me (as far as following the HP storyline), when there was even a made-up sport. The characters, world-building and story were interesting enough for me to jump right in to the second book in this series!

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

Rivers of London (Rivers of London #1) by Ben Aaronovitch, 392 p.

"Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police. Too bad his superior plans to assign him to the Case Progression Unit, where the biggest threat he’ll face is a paper cut. But Peter’s prospects change in the aftermath of a puzzling murder, when he gains exclusive information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. Peter’s ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny. Now, as a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic."--Goodreads blurb

I wasn't a fan of this book. I liked the premise of the story but a lot about this author's writing made me wince, not least of which was how he wrote his women characters. The acceptance of life-altering information from characters was so unbelievable and the character development and world-building just wasn't there for me. I've heard a lot of people really like this series, but I won't be moving forward with it.

 

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.
 

Written In Red by Anne Bishop

 Written In Red by Anne Bishop- 433 pages

The Others #1 in series

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

This book does not have much action. Most of the book is about day to day life for the characters.  I did enjoy it enough to continue the series. 

Million Dollar Demon by Kim Harrison

 Million Dollar Demon by Kim Harrison - 464 pages

Hollows, book 15

The new master vampire of Cincinnati has arrived . . . and she wants Rachel Morgan out. No matter where Rachel goes, Constance is there--threatening Rachel's allies, causing city-wide chaos, and, to add insult to injury, even forcing Rachel out of her current quarters. Ever since Rachel found a way to save the souls of vampires, the old undead's longtime ascendancy has been broken. Now Constance sees eliminating Rachel as the key to consolidating her own power.

Rachel has no desire to be enthralled or killed--and she's terrified of what may become of the city if Constance forces a return to the ancient ways. But even a witch-born demon can't stand against the old undead--at least, not alone. And if Rachel refuses to claim the role of Cincinnati's master demon, the city will tear itself apart, taking her and all those who stand beside her with it.

I did not enjoy this one in the series as much as I did the earlier ones.  I am hoping I like the next one better. 

Paper & Blood by Kevin Hearne

Paper & Blood (Ink & Sigil #2) by Kevin Hearne, 302 p.

"There’s only one Al MacBharrais: Though other Scotsmen may have dramatic mustaches and a taste for fancy cocktails, Al also has a unique talent. He’s a master of ink and sigil magic. In his gifted hands, paper and pen can work wondrous spells.
But Al isn’t quite alone: He is part of a global network of sigil agents who use their powers to protect the world from mischievous gods and strange monsters. So when a fellow agent disappears under sinister circumstances in Australia, Al leaves behind the cozy pubs and cafes of Glasgow and travels to the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria to solve the mystery.
The trail to his colleague begins to pile up with bodies at alarming speed, so Al is grateful his friends have come to help—especially Nadia, his accountant who moonlights as a pit fighter. Together with a whisky-loving hobgoblin known as Buck Foi and the ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan, along with his dogs, Oberon and Starbuck, Al and Nadia will face down the wildest wonders Australia—and the supernatural world—can throw at them, and confront a legendary monster not seen in centuries."--Goodreads blurb

Kevin Hearne, with his accompanying narrator Luke Daniels, can do no wrong. Sometimes they're a bit eye-rolling-ly silly, but Hearne is hilarious, and Daniels can do voices like no other. I love the characters in this series...talk about all walks of life! We got to see Atticus (from Hearne's Iron Druid series) play a central roll in this book, as well as his sausage-loving dog Oberon. Whatever Hearne writes in this Fae universe, I will always read.