Into the Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo is the first book in the series of the same name and if you like magic and interesting characters, you will want to pick this one up. I can see why some people have said the story has a Six of Crows vibe, but I wouldn’t completely agree. I won’t give away any spoilers as I don’t want to ruin this story for anyone.

The world created by Christo is so interesting. Uskhanyan is run by the Kingpin, Dante Ashwood, who has been biding his time to put his plans into action. Unfortunately for Ashwood, he underestimates the crew at the center of this story.

Wesley Thornton Walcott is the Underboss of Creije, one of the cities of Uskhanyan, and the Kingpin has pushed him to get a new magic out on the streets. When he finds out that the Kingpin is willing to destroy Creije to get what he wants, Wesley knows it is time to take him down. In order to do that, he has to rely on the cast of characters around him.

Tavia is Wesley’s best busker. She and Wesley grew up in Creije and there is some definite tension between them. Their relationship changed when Wesley became Underboss and all she wants now is to survive long enough to make it to her 18th birthday so she can leave Creije forever. As the best busker, Wesley asks her to push the new magic (at first) and when she sells the first bottle, things go terribly wrong.

Saxony is one of Tavia’s friends and she came to Creije in search of her lost sister. She has ended up staying because she is looking to get revenge and spy on Wesley and find out what she can about Ashwood. I had mixed feelings about Saxony as she was keeping some secrets from the group and at times, put them in danger.

Karam is the final main character and as a trained warrior, has been serving as Wesley’s personal guard. She and Saxony have a relationship, but it ebbs and flows with whatever is going on around them. Karam isn’t a fan of Tavia’s and the back and forth between them was one of my favorite things.

I wouldn’t necessarily say that this group worked well together as they all seemed to have their own agendas but, in the end, they all pulled together when it was most important. Before they face off with Ashwood, they have to face their own decisions and choices without regret, and it is definitely a difficult task. When they do come face to face with Ashwood, there is a fairly large twist that forces them all to scramble and make adjustments. I will admit I never saw it coming and the way this book ended made me want the next one immediately.

I think one of the things I loved most about this book was the relationship between Tavia and Wesley. There are so many layers to them as characters and getting the opportunity to see them try to figure out what they mean to each other was great. Another thing I enjoyed was how much action there was. It kept the story moving and helped with the pacing. There were also some lines in this book that just made me laugh. I’ve included just two of my favorites as they really help to give you some insight to some of the characters and their personalities.

“Wesley didn’t like people, on account of them always trying to kill him.”

Karam to Tavia: “Just so you know, you ruin your face when you talk.”

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The beginning was a little slow as it was setting up the characters and the story but as things picked up, I found myself turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. If you are looking for a new fantasy to pick up that has magic, plenty of action, and an interesting story, add this one to your list. Personally, I can’t wait to see what the next book brings to the pages for these characters.

Thank you to the publisher for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review to come.

I loved Adrienne Young’s first book Sky in the Deep so when I heard she was writing a new book and it was going to be a in the same world, I was excited! The Girl the Sea Gave Back is one I couldn’t wait to open up and dive into and I wasn’t disappointed.

This story introduces us to Tova who, as a child is found floating on the shore, and taken in by the Svell only because of the things they think she can do for them. Unfortunately for Tova, she is led to believe that her family didn’t want her, and she figures out a way to survive among the Svell even though they fear and hate her.

The chieftain of the Svell is not interested in war but when his brother goes against his wishes and attacks, they end up face to face with the leaders of the Nadhir, including the man who will take over leadership if/when something happens, Halvard. If you recall, the name, that is because Halvard is the younger brother to Fiske. Ten years later he has grown into someone the Nadhir have nominated to lead them and now that war imminent, he has some difficult decisions to make.

As Tova is tasked with finding Halvard or facing her own death, she has to make some decisions. When she and Halvard eventually come face to face, she chooses to another path. I thought the interactions between the two were interesting, but I didn’t really feel a connection between or with them.

Young writes this story beautifully but it was a bit slow in the beginning. If you haven’t read Sky in the Deep, you don’t really have to in order to enjoy this book. In the end, I do think I enjoyed the first book more as I was more connected to Eelyn and Fiske. With that said, I did love that we got a glimpse of what the future held for them.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you’re looking for a story that has some mystery, plenty of action, and beautiful writing, consider picking this one up. Also, the cover is absolutely gorgeous, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a final copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

Yeah...I'm going to need book 3 real soon.

Review to come.

4.5 stars! Full review to come.