kishab's reviews
301 reviews

A rare sequel that holds up to the first book! This was just as engaging and adventurous as the first book, and the audiobook narrator did a great job with this again. I felt like the character evolved and all had a significant role, there was no one that was just there to prop up other characters. They all had their storyline and were equally fulfilling to read. We also had Asen’s POV this time and I thought it was a nice addition. This installment felt a bit longer and slower to start and at times I was wondering where we were heading with the plot but we got there in the end. I thought the entire storyline and world building were very strong and equally fun to read. Overall I cannot recommend this duology (and especially the audiobook version) enough!

Thanks to NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for this ALC that I chose to read and review

Tale of the Heart Queen by Nisha J. Tuli wraps up the series in a way that’s exactly as expected—entertaining, but not groundbreaking. This final installment ties up all the loose ends nicely, leaving no major plot threads hanging, which was satisfying. It’s the kind of book (and series) that’s easy to read, highly enjoyable, and perfect for escapism, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Lor and Nadir’s relationship is the standout element, carrying much of the emotional weight and making the series fun to follow. The addition of Rion’s POV in this book was another highlight, giving a deeper look into his motivations, though I wish more characters had been given the same level of attention. Many of the side characters felt underdeveloped, and even the main cast didn’t experience much growth over the course of the series.

While the story was consistently engaging, some moments, like the spice scenes, felt oddly timed—breaking the flow of higher-stakes moments. The series overall is enjoyable, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the depth or impact of stronger romantasy series.

That said, this is a “just for fun” kind of read. If you’re looking for lighthearted escapism, it’s a solid pick. It may not be entirely memorable, but it’s undeniably entertaining

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever publishing for this e-ARC that I chose to read and review

Not for the Faint of Heart by Lex Croucher is an imaginative, feel-good take on what happens after the Robin Hood legend ends. The premise of exploring how the Merry Men carried on after Robin Hood retires was a really clever and unique story and totally delivered on the fun and humour as well

The audiobook narration was great and I loved the dual POV. The narrator really brought all the characters to life perfectly. There was a great found family dynamic and every character felt really well-developed and fleshed out making it easy to want to follow the story and find out what ultimately happens to them. I really have to point out how funny the book was as well, sometimes in fantasy too many jokes can feel forced or out of place but I thought it suited the characters really well and worked each time. I even laughed out loud a few times!

The story has a great fee-good vibe, and everything wrapped up nicely with no loose ends. The cover art is really nice, it would be a great book to display. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and the characters. It was a perfect easy and fun read, and I’d absolutely pick up more from Lex Croucher. Their focus on reimagining medieval stories feels fresh and original, and I’m excited to see what they do next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for this ALC that I chose to read and review.

The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson is a fae themed fantasy romance with plenty of intriguing elements, but it didn’t quite live up to all of they hype for me. The tricky, slightly evil nature of the fae was one of my favourite aspects of the world-building (think fae from The Cruel Prince). They added an edge to the story that kept things interesting but the pacing felt slow for a book with a high amount of action, and the ending came so abruptly that it left me a little unsatisfied.

The relationship between the two main characters was different from other enemies to lovers books I’ve read. They didn’t take that long to acknowledge their feelings and it went from distrust, to reluctant allies to lovers pretty early on in the book. The relationship and what other characters in the story thought of it was a pretty central feature of the plot, so much so that I felt other elements were lost. Some plot lines like the training and the overarching mission felt like they took a backseat and were underdeveloped. 

The book gives off strong “special girl in a special world” vibes, which isn’t my favourite theme. It can be done well but here it just came off as the main character can do no wrong even though she’s new to the world and magic in general. I felt like a lot of things (besides the relationship between the two main characters) were left undeveloped. To my understanding this is a duology so theres definitely a lot of action leftover for the second book. I’m interested enough to continue the series but its not a priority for me. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC that I chose to read and review.

Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London is a lighthearted and chaotic dive into the world of fandom, full of pop culture references and over-the-top moments. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it perfect for readers looking for a fun escape.

The story reads like fan fiction in the best way—super fun and wildly entertaining. The tone jumps from cheesy to serious, which might feel inconsistent, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. This isn’t a book you go into expecting depth or a grounded narrative; it’s more about enjoying the ride. If you’re looking for something heavier or more polished, this might not be your thing, but for a fun time, it absolutely delivers.

One thing I really liked was Tess’s character arc. Her personal growth and resolution of her big issues felt believable, even amidst all the wild fan fiction antics. The romances, while a bit insta-lovey, were still sweet and added to the overall fun vibe.

If you enjoy pop culture-packed stories and don’t mind a bit of tonal whiplash, Fang Fiction is a light, enjoyable read that feels like a love letter to fandom.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for this free e-ARC that I chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

 

This was a cute little edition to The Summoners Circle series, but it was only ok for me. I usually really enjoy S.T Gibsons writing but this was just the miscommunication trope as a novella. We still get lots of cute Moira and Rhys moments, and I enjoyed reading about their origin story. I think its a pretty true characterization of what the early part of a marriage, or any relationship, can be like. I did find myself yelling at the book at times, and parts of the book can be a bit redundant. Maybe it would have been better to read before Evocation because there’s a lot of crossover. I could see how some people would enjoy it, I didn’t find it really added to the plot line of the series so I’m glad it was a short one 

 

Thanks to Netgalley and Angry Robot for providing me with a free e-ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own 

For She is Wrath by Emily Varga really kept me on my toes, especially with that big twist! At first, it totally caught me off guard, but looking back, I could see the breadcrumbs Varga had left along the way—it’s clever storytelling that makes you want to reread just to catch all the clues.

If you're expecting a Count of Monte Cristo revenge plot, this is more of an Arya Stark-inspired tale. The prison escape and assumed identity are there, but it feels different, with a fierce, determined protagonist who's driven by her own blend of revenge and girl power. The story doesn’t get too bogged down in revenge, though; there's this strong undercurrent of reclaiming power and identity.

One of the highlights for me was the vivid Pakistani influence woven into the food, clothing, and cultural references. It made the setting come alive, creating this rich, colorful backdrop that felt so immersive.

The pacing, though, was a little off. Some scenes felt drawn out, while others could have used a bit more depth. I think it’s because there’s so much story packed into a single book. Honestly, this world and these characters are intriguing enough that it could’ve been a duology—maybe I just want more time with them! A few characters especially could’ve benefited from a little extra development.

The structure of the book, with time jumps between past and present, was something I enjoyed. The parallel timelines flowed well, adding depth to the main character’s journey and giving you insight into her motives as they unfolded.

And if you go the audiobook route, the narrator did a fantastic job! Their voice really brought the story to life, especially during those intense moments in the final third of the book. I didn’t expect the story to go in that direction, but it was a cool surprise, and I liked where it ended up.

Overall, For She is Wrath is packed with twists, a powerful lead, and an engaging cultural backdrop. It might have been better with a bit more room to breathe, but it’s definitely a memorable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of For She is Wrath in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sorcery and Small Magics is a highly character-driven story, but the setting and world-building are equally well done. It leans more towards "light academia" rather than dark, with the characters spending a good deal of time away from the school. One of the highlights for me was the realistic portrayal of family dynamics, which added depth to the story.

The romance is very much a slow burn, and the story is told entirely from the point of view of one of the male main characters (MMC). Personally, I would have preferred a dual POV, as I wasn’t too fond of the character we followed.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job. It had a relaxing, almost background-music quality that made it easy to enjoy. Although I liked the book, it didn’t engage me enough to make me rush to pick up the sequel. I’ll likely read it at some point, but it’s not high on my priority list.

Thanks to Netgalley, Maia Doocy and Hachette Audio for this ALC

I went into this blind so I really didn’t know what I was signing up for. I know this is billed as one of those “books to read after ACOTAR” but I really feel that it holds up. The story was different enough from other romantasy books to keep me interested. I’m not a huge fan of the FMC but I’m very very interested in Luther and the plot line of the series. This gives hunger games x from blood and ash vibes. I could not stop thinking about this when I wasn’t reading and I read the last 20% quicker than I’ve read almost any other book. It’s a super fun read, and I’m so ready for the next instalment. I think this whole series has a lot of potential 

Thanks to Netgalley, Penn Cole and Atria Books for this e-ARC

Another perfect read for the fall season! We follow Hecate after her mother’s death, continuing on with her duties as a sole hedge witch. Hecate, or Kate, is surprised by an unexpected guest, new powers and secrets she never learned about her mother. 

This was so cozy but spooky at the same time. I loved learning about Kates duties as a hedge witch, and how each member of the coven had unique powers. It was a bit of a slow pace but I felt it lent to the cozy atmosphere, and the stakes were still high enough to keep me entertained. There was also a really nice romantic element as well. The whole book kind of gave me Halloweentown and Belladonna (by Adalyn Grace) vibes. I feel like this would also be a great audiobook, and the cover is just perfect!

Thanks to @netgalley, Kinney Wallis and @alcovepress for this e-ARC