librarianlayla's Reviews (954)

I received an eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A short unnerving story about swamp magic and a legacy passed down through chance.

I liked the idea of the swamp magic and how it was passed from one person to the other, but I found the story to be a little lacking in detail, I needed a bit more substance. I wanted to know more about the previous swamp witch, I wanted to feel more for the main characters and I wanted more history about the swamp.

Fans of short, easy to read, suspense books will probably enjoy this.

I received an eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

I really enjoyed the idea behind the story, but unfortunately I found the main character hard to root for and the least interesting out of all the available characters. I may, however, continue with this series as I find the lives and depths of the other characters intriguing.

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/4 stars.

Almost a 'knights of the round table' vibe but with a complex female character as the lead. Espionage, deception, tested loyalties, truths uncovered. A fantastic story that centre's on gender inequality, wrapped up in a political fantasy, with just a smidge of a complicated love story thrown in.

I will be looking out for the sequel, as I am eager to see what lies in store for Reid.

I received an eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest reivew.

3/3.5 stars out of 5.

I really enjoyed the premise of this story and the idea of tattoos having magic really intrigued me. Sadly the story doesn't centre as much on that idea as it does on the romance aspect. I quite liked the characters, I just really wanted there to be a bit more substance to them, they didn't feel fully realised. Their hate to love romance was such a quick turn around it really didn't have any build up to it and was very swift. I would have liked to have learnt more about their differing cultures and beliefs so that we had some true friction and depth to the story. But overall a quick read, with a reasonably steamy scene near the end, so if that is not your thing then you might want to skip this.

Fast paced action, a coup and mixed emotions.

A fantastic sequel to the first but one that has left me in turmoil, as I haven't the third book and feel that the King really deserves something good coming his way, and was a really undervalued character.

Fans of easy to read fantasy books that feature magic, action, self discovery and love, will enjoy this series very much.

3.5 stars out of 5.

How did I miss that this was a memoir, you ask? I have no idea, but I did.

I thought that this was going to be a comedic fantasy book, and at times, it does read like one. But then I remember that this is actually a memoir of a very real person, and I am left feeling conflicted.

I enjoyed this book, but at the same time found myself disengaged from it. There were parallels between our childhoods that I suppose set me on edge. The sardonic notes that are interwoven sometimes battle with the intensity of the matter. And at times the timeline and thought process seem disconnected.

(Trigger warning for anyone who has experienced sexual, physical, mental abuse as well as alcoholism. This book covers a wide array of subjects. Mental health is a key factor. And unfortunately, magick isn't the key focus of this book, despite it's advertising.)

I received an eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you've been searching for an all inclusive fantasy with pirates, mermaids, witches all wrapped together with a bow made of love - then look no further!

I cannot rave about this book enough! I have been waiting for more books that have gender neutral/fluid characters in them and not only does this wonderful story deliver on that, it is diverse with it's characters races and sexualities. A true story of self discovery, overcoming adversity and the strength that one can find in the hardest of times. I really enjoyed the characters' journey's and their development. Hands down, one of the best books I've read this year so far, and I truly hope it garners the success it deserves.

One of my favourite retelling's of recent times!

Compelling, raw and beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed this take on the tale of Ursula and her beginnings. A story of love, loss and betrayal. I couldn't put it down.

4.5 stars.

Gritty, raw, heart breaking. I loved this book so much. I will say that with everything going on in the world at the moment, if you are triggered by anything plague related, then I'd avoid this story until less turbulent times. However don't sleep on this series!

If I had anything negative to say, it would be that I wish more had been done with the Prince's character from the start of the book. He is just sort of bland in the background for most of the story, until near the end. And I wanted more from him.

But this is a fast paced journey filled with darkness, oppression, love and hope. And I am clamouring for the sequel!