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cozysabie's Reviews (183)
"Does strength always have to be ruthless?"
The Witches at the End of the World is a lovely story about two sisters who are witches and who only had each other and their grandmother growing up. Minna and Kaija are a couple of years apart and that makes all the difference in their upbringing, their mentality, their goals... it truly shapes their lives so differently that it reminded me of how much siblings can grow up to be very different people, despite a similar upbringing.
"My sister is flowers and herbs. I'm fire and blood."
This book reminded me so much of another book called "The Witch and the Tsar" in the way it was written, the narration, the folklore & the lessons behind it. In this debut book, Iversen delves into the lives of Minna and Kaija and it is a dual POV so you get to see how different they are, what magic means to each of them and the prices they are willing to pay to achieve their own needs.
To me, it was such a lovely journey, to see the sisterhood build up between Minna and Kaija, through pain and life experiences. It reminded me of the fact that relationships and unconditional love always comes at a price and it is truly unconditional once you learn to forgive the person for breaking your heart.
This was a 4 star read for me and I'd recommend it to people who like fiction stories with a lesson & morality standing in it. I truly loved this book and read it quickly, always wanting to know where the journey would take us with the two sisters, the villages and their love for each other.
Thanks to NetGalley for the Arc in exchange for my honest review.
"Dont borrow trouble unless you've got the shoulders to carry it."
GENRE: Fantasy RomCom
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
FORMAT: eBook
Would I recommend to others?: YES I would, especially for a cozy read during this season but beware, this book does deal with heavy topics.
Review:
This book came at a much needed time. The unfortunate side effect of heartbreak and magic focuses on many important theme that we encounter in life: grief, denial, and harsh realities in life that we need to accept
We go on a journey here with Sadie Revelare, as she learns to accept that she is unable to control everything and that sometimes, no matter how much she wills it, there is just no way to change fate/destiny. I love how this book makes you realise that there are certain things we are all in denial in and that prevents us from moving forward to other things. It portrays Sadie's personal growth, which you feel happens naturally throughout the story.
She and her Grandma (Gigi) owe a cafe together called A Peach in Thyme (such an adorable name!) and they lived in a town called Poppy Meadows, which "much like Sadie herself, ran like clockwork". But like how cute are the names!! And this book has recipes in it as well!!!! And Sadie is a big fan of bookstores, just like the rest of us here:
"Time ceases to exist for you in bookstores"
This book is truly magical and if you like cozy reads, it is the right book for you!
I loved this book in particular because I had just lost my grandma 3 weeks ago and reading this book was like taking a deep breathe and remembering my grandma as Gigi and Sadie's life unrolled, cancer took over and took her best friend/favourite person. I could relate to Sadie so much and cried reading this book. I want to thank Breanne for writing this, so that we can grief together over our lost loved ones.
Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc in exchange for my honest review.
"A gilded cage is still a cage."
This was a quick and a really good, captivating read! Right from the beginning, it hooks you in with its simplicity, a familiar Fae world and dual POV!
I knew from the very beginning that I was going to really like this book and recommend it to everyone! I loved how sassy Imogen was, how strong she was and how she handled the whole situation while still trying to escape. I love how we see her as a genuine character and get to love her throughout the story. As for Tarian, you get to see him as the Fae prince he is, see why he is the way he is but I couldnt help but feel that he is a good MMC despite the kidnapping!
I also thought the fact that this book has two author, it would ruin the writing style but this was not the case and this was such a fast paced book, I definitely enjoyed it and cannot way for book two to come out as soon as possible with the semi-cliff hanger that we are left with.
The world build was simple but on point with the introduction of Unseelie and Seelie court, Changeling with Human/Fae babies and an evil Queen! Reading about Fae is one of my favourite thing and I could not put this book down (until adult responsibilities popped up!)
Thank you to R&R for the Arc for my honest review.
Firstly, thank you to R&R for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Reading the synopsis of this book made me super excited to read it. I dont normally shy away from books that are 500 pages+. While this book had a great story line and the idea that it was built around was great, I felt that it was stretched out when it could've been a 300 pages book. I did enjoy the dialogue, the comedy between the characters and the insight into the lore and the setting (the castle, the places and environment building was just beautiful).
The other thing that made me give this book a three star is the fact that Gateley writes a beautiful grieving process about the grandmother and this came at a time when I'd lost my own grandmother, so this was very therapeutic and healing. I truly enjoyed navigating this experience with Julia and healing how I feel about my own grief.
However, due to the length, it took me a long time to get through the book and I felt I was forcing myself to read through it. I had to pause a few times in order to not DNF the book because it was going VERY slowly. Because of this, I was unable to finish this book in time to read the second book and decided that I'd leave the second book and read it before the third book comes out.
Reading the synopsis of this book made me super excited to read it. I dont normally shy away from books that are 500 pages+. While this book had a great story line and the idea that it was built around was great, I felt that it was stretched out when it could've been a 300 pages book. I did enjoy the dialogue, the comedy between the characters and the insight into the lore and the setting (the castle, the places and environment building was just beautiful).
The other thing that made me give this book a three star is the fact that Gateley writes a beautiful grieving process about the grandmother and this came at a time when I'd lost my own grandmother, so this was very therapeutic and healing. I truly enjoyed navigating this experience with Julia and healing how I feel about my own grief.
However, due to the length, it took me a long time to get through the book and I felt I was forcing myself to read through it. I had to pause a few times in order to not DNF the book because it was going VERY slowly. Because of this, I was unable to finish this book in time to read the second book and decided that I'd leave the second book and read it before the third book comes out.
What made me want to read this book is Gilmore Girls x Practical Magic! Ahh, just that combination was enticing enough without having to need any other reason and receiving it as fall is about to start? Double perfect!
“Playing the Witch Card” is a book about Flair who has sworn off magic, tarot cards & love as she has seen how it has wrecked her mother & was ditched by her ex. However, her life falls apart and she goes back to her hometown called Rattleboro, Kansas to her grandmother’s home and bakery. Flair gets sucked into Halloween preparations and ends up decorating her cookies as Tarot cards, which lures her mother into town, tempts her daughter, curses her ex and brings up her one & true love. The story goes on as Flair attempts to control her life, magic, the tarot cards and everyone around her.
Reading the synopsis after hearing the combination of Gilmore girls x practical magic just made me want to devour this book as soon as I got it! As I read the book, I liked the plot but Flair went between being a character I like/HEAVILY relate to and annoying me ALOT. This is because Flair attempts to control everything & everyone around her. I know, this is easily said than done in real life as it is to Flair in the book.
What I liked about this is that it is a cozy and comfort read that is light (for the most part, there is a lot of serious topics discussed but in a light way). Keep in mind that there is a trigger of domestic abuse in the book. I liked how it delved into Flair’s thought on everything happening around her.
However, despite a lot of good things in this book, I rated it 3 stars as it lacked in having proper plot development. The book picks up halfway through. I also did not feel as if the relationship between Flair & her daughter Lucie resembled Gilmore girls in terms of development and interaction between them as you do not see many conflict resolving as you do in the show.
I would recommend this book to people who love a light read about magic and halloween centred books to enjoy this fall!
Favourite Quote • "Because it (Magic) ruins everything. Whenever anything magic appears in my life, it's like the cautionary part of a fairy tale. Everything's great, and then I make a wish and bam - there's a sucker punch hidden behind the rainbows and unicorns."
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
“Playing the Witch Card” is a book about Flair who has sworn off magic, tarot cards & love as she has seen how it has wrecked her mother & was ditched by her ex. However, her life falls apart and she goes back to her hometown called Rattleboro, Kansas to her grandmother’s home and bakery. Flair gets sucked into Halloween preparations and ends up decorating her cookies as Tarot cards, which lures her mother into town, tempts her daughter, curses her ex and brings up her one & true love. The story goes on as Flair attempts to control her life, magic, the tarot cards and everyone around her.
Reading the synopsis after hearing the combination of Gilmore girls x practical magic just made me want to devour this book as soon as I got it! As I read the book, I liked the plot but Flair went between being a character I like/HEAVILY relate to and annoying me ALOT. This is because Flair attempts to control everything & everyone around her. I know, this is easily said than done in real life as it is to Flair in the book.
What I liked about this is that it is a cozy and comfort read that is light (for the most part, there is a lot of serious topics discussed but in a light way). Keep in mind that there is a trigger of domestic abuse in the book. I liked how it delved into Flair’s thought on everything happening around her.
However, despite a lot of good things in this book, I rated it 3 stars as it lacked in having proper plot development. The book picks up halfway through. I also did not feel as if the relationship between Flair & her daughter Lucie resembled Gilmore girls in terms of development and interaction between them as you do not see many conflict resolving as you do in the show.
I would recommend this book to people who love a light read about magic and halloween centred books to enjoy this fall!
Favourite Quote • "Because it (Magic) ruins everything. Whenever anything magic appears in my life, it's like the cautionary part of a fairy tale. Everything's great, and then I make a wish and bam - there's a sucker punch hidden behind the rainbows and unicorns."
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
GENRE: Cozy Fantasy
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐/5
FORMAT: eBook
Would I recommend to others?: Yes & especially as a light read between two heavy books. Dont forget to read book two as well & wait for book three to come out!
This is such a cute, cozy read! I loved reading this and following the adventure of Rhys & Vivienne as they try to save their cozy & magical town from a curse! We also watch as Vivienne becomes a more confident in her magical abilities. I loved how this trope of romance is old lovers who reunite & the addition of magic is always so welcome in a cozy fantasy/romance book!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐/5
FORMAT: eBook
Would I recommend to others?: Yes & especially as a light read between two heavy books. Dont forget to read book two as well & wait for book three to come out!
This is such a cute, cozy read! I loved reading this and following the adventure of Rhys & Vivienne as they try to save their cozy & magical town from a curse! We also watch as Vivienne becomes a more confident in her magical abilities.