3.7 Stars

Louisa Silverton is the daughter of an American businessman whose idea of happiness is through profit and money. Her business expertise and love for numbers keep her going. When Louisa’s father takes too many risks with his ventures, he ships her to England to find a wealthy husband. 

Sarah Davenport is single-handedly running her family estate in Kenilborough. Her father is weak. Her stepmother and her son love money, and they are in debt. Sarah is shocked to see that talented Louisa is more than willing to settle for money. Louisa is intrigued by Sarah’s complexity, grit, and strength of character. 

The duo realizes their feelings for each other are more intense than expected. But with neither of them in a position to do what their hearts want, can Sarah and Louisa find their HEA, or will they sacrifice themselves for their families? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Louisa and Sarah. 

I quite enjoyed The Secret of Matterdale Hall by the author and was looking forward to this latest book. As an #ownvoice author, she effortlessly presents Sapphic romance and interesting main leads. 

Louisa and Sarah are different yet similar. They both bear the burden of their family responsibilities and finances, even if they choose different methods to handle these. I like how the characters feel real and vulnerable and make some annoying decisions. 

The interactions between Louisa and Sarah kind of give P&P vibes. Even the writing style is formal and suits the period. In fact, it fits so well that the already slow-burn romance feels even slower and distant than I prefer. There’s some progress in the last quarter, which I do appreciate. I had to wait too long already! 

While the book is supposed to be a historical Sapphic romance, it reads a lot like a family drama. This makes sense as the core plot revolves around families. However, there’s a lot of drama. I was reminded of daily soaps on the telly more than once. Combined with almost no humor or lighthearted scenes, the content becomes quite heavy. The saving grace is the moderate-to-fast pacing. 

Of course, the social customs, attitudes, and general conditions of the period come across clearly. These have a dominant role in the plot, making the book seem more believable. Be it the ‘responsibility of a daughter to find a rich husband to save the family business or a weak (and rather spineless) father ignoring realities and being unconcerned for his daughters, every aspect aligns with the setting. 

However, this eats into the time required by the main couple to establish a stronger relationship. I wanted them to spend more time together when they aren’t snapping or pushing each other away, et al. 

The side characters, Ann and Eleanor, are nice and sweet. I like that the book also has a disability rep. Furthermore, the second half of the book is stronger and more interesting. We have HEA and an epilogue, too.  

To summarize, A Lady to Treasure is an engaging historical drama with a super slow-burn Sapphic romance. The writing is classy and nice to read. 

My thanks to the author for the electronic ARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 3.7 Stars

Merritt and Hulda are all set to marry soon. Merritt is busy at the Whimbrel House, writing his next book. Hulda is now the head of BIKER. Owein is still a dog, having a nice time with Merritt, though he does wish for a better body. 

When Merritt receives a letter from the Queen of England, showing interest in his ‘dog’, he has no real choice but to take Owein to England. The proposition they get is a dream come true. Merritt knows he cannot refuse. But all is not as it seems. Hulda’s premonitions about danger come true, and soon, they have to save themselves first and stay alive. However, Owein is determined to decide his future, come what may! 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Hulda, Merritt, and Owein. 

After enjoying books #1 and #2, I was quite excited (and waiting) for this one. It’s Owein’s story, after all! Oh, by the way, this is not a standalone. The series has to be read in order. 

The narration is fast-paced, even if the plot is thin and padded with fluff. Some of it may make more sense in book #4, though it’ll be a long wait. 

The different third-person POVs give a glimpse into the three main characters, which works well for the story. I like that the characters retain their core traits throughout all three books. There are surprise developments, too, which thankfully go with the flow. 

What made the previous books stand out were the atmosphere and the darkness inching closer from the edges. However, this one is more like a cozy mystery (sans murders, of course) and milder until the climax. Even then, the drama doesn’t hit its peak. 

I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and loved Hulda becoming more confident of herself (as a person. She is confident enough about her work). Also, we don’t get unnecessary conflicts between the lead couple. I like how the focus continues to be on Owein. 

Owein is a darling. We cannot help but root for the poor boy. I like how the story ends, with HEA, but also enough intrigue about what’s to come. Hopefully, book #4 will also have more of Owein. He is the star of the series. 

The mystery (if we can call it that) is quite bland despite the dangerous events and life-threatening incidents. The culprit is too easy to identify even without Hulda’s augury skills. However, the pages fly by, making the book seem a lot more entertaining. 

There’s a small error, which will mostly be edited in the final copy. The publishing date is a long way away! 

To summarize, Boy of Chaotic Making is a good continuation of the series and provides some forward movement to the story. Looking forward to book #4. 

Thank you, NetGalley and 47North, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #BoyofChaoticMaking 

 4.5 Stars

Aunt Deta takes a five-year-old Heidi to the Alps and hands over to her grumpy grandfather. The man had been leading a solitary life at the top of a mountain. However, Heidi’s innocence and easy affection melt his heart. They form a strong bond, and Heidi also makes friends with Peter, the goatherd, and his family (mother and grandma). 

But Aunt Deta arrives again to uproot Heidi and take her to Frankfurt. This brings Clara and her family into Heidi’s life. It also brings loneliness and homesickness. What happens next? 

Well, not many would be unaware of Heidi’s story. My first introduction to it was the show on Cartoon Network (the good old version). I watched it with my parents, and we fell in love with the glorious setting, Heidi and her grandpa. I found an abridged and illustrated version in my school library, though the show remained a favorite. 

Now, years later, I picked up the full version for a reading challenge. The translation is easy and written in simple sentences (suitable for the target audience). My copy has a few B&W sketches, too. They are cute, but I could only see Heidi, with her rosy cheeks and yellow-red frock from the cartoon. 

The story in the second half is different in both versions. The book is more faith-oriented and has many references to God. The cartoon (as far as I remember) is more of my style with a focus on nature. Still, it’s a sweet read, and one cannot help but smile at the purity of Heidi’s love for people in her life. 

I purchased a paperback, and it did help me enjoy the contents a little more. The bookshop had old, older, and oldest editions with tiny, tinier, and tiniest prints. I valued my eyes more and, hence I came home with a newer edition. I don’t normally say this, but if you want the maximum enjoyment from the story, go for the cartoon and then read the book. In this case, the show is better!  

 4 Stars

Chief Webber asks Tracy Crosswhite to reopen the Seattle’s Route 99 serial killer case. Tracy is expected to bring closure to the thirteen victims’ families almost twenty-five years later. When she has to work with Johnny Nolasco, Tracy knows it will be an uphill battle. 

Nolasco was the lead detective working on the case back then, and somehow, he and Tracy manage to work together in the present time. However, Tracy follows her intuition, which yet again leads her to high-level corruption, cover-ups, and people in power who will do anything to prevent the news from coming out. Still, Tracy will not give up without a fight, especially when the killer strikes again. 

The story comes in Tracy’s third-person POV, with a few chapters in the past timeline from Nolasco’s POV. 

I haven’t read books 1 to 8 in the series but enjoyed the ninth installment. I even read #8.5, The Last Line (short story), which ties up with #9. This helped get a better picture of the context, as there are quite a few references to both in this one. 

Tracy solves cold cases (by reopening the investigation and through DNA comparison). After being successful in three such cases, Chief Webber assigns her to another serial killer case. Tracy is a smart, capable, and efficient detective. She is thorough and knows when to follow her hunches. 

Though this one doesn’t have much of Del and Faz, they do appear from time to time. Nolasco has a major role, given he was the chief of the investigation back then. I don’t know much about his animosity with Tracy, though there are enough hints to get an idea. Providing his POV from the past helped me consider things from his perspective. This made it easier to understand his actions and motivations. 

The pacing is steady, neither slow nor fast. It may seem like not much happens in the first 50-60%, but that’s the thing with reopening cold cases. There is already enough information to go through before finding more. I like how Tracy uses different bits of information and various perspectives to bring everything together. Be it DNA advancement and profiling, she doesn’t ignore things that don’t align with her ideas. Instead, she thinks about how these perspectives can help her solve the case. 

I’m waiting for Webber to get her due. Looks like I need to wait longer, and more names are being added to this list. Realistic endings are good, but I don’t mind if a touch of it is compromised to make the readers happy (we know it is not likely to happen in the real world; why not give us the satisfaction on-page). Still, I’m hopeful that justice will be served, one way or another. There will be more books in the series, so we’ll get to it (hopefully). 

This should read well as a standalone. However, it will work better if you read at least the previous installment. Even the author calls books 8.5, 9, and 10 a sort of trilogy within the series. 

To summarize, One Last Kill is a solid police procedural with relatively less action but a lot of problem-solving. There are enough twists to engage the reader. Looking forward to the next case! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #OneLastKill 

 3.7 Stars 

This short story is when Del Castigliano has newly joined SPD. It’s his first case, which haunts him forever. He is eager for a fresh start and wants to make a good impression. Del does find a friend in Faz but learns some bitter truths and has to carry dark secrets for many years afterward. 

I read this to refresh my memory before starting book #10. I joined the series at book #9, and don’t remember much of the contents either. So this provided the necessary detail for a quick recap. 

 4 Stars

The dreaded cholera, aka blue death, is hounding London again. The city is in panic, but that doesn’t stop Jem Flockhart and Will Quartermain from pursuing a murder case. 

An unknown man was murdered in a brothel, and its guard has been arrested for the crime. Jem and Will know he is not the killer but have only a few days to find out more about the victim and trace the killer. Their investigation takes them to the powerful, rich, and mysterious Mortmain family. 

 With the clocking ticker faster, can Jem and Will save an innocent’s life and bring justice to the dead? 

The story comes in Jem’s first-person POV and journal entries by Will. 

So, first things first. I didn’t realize this was a part of a series until a day before I started reading the book. I came across a review mentioning this and went on Amazon to find out. Well, I was surprised this was book #6. Lucky that I’m not particular about reading a series in an order. I think there are a few spoilers for the main characters in this one, though I cannot say how much or what. 

The setting is bleak, foul, smelly, and oppressive like the underground sewers polluting the River Thames. With fog, cold, smell, cholera, and death, there isn’t anything breezy or light about the book. Though some of it is uncomfortable to read, it’s necessary to keep the reader immersed in the setting. 

The narration is easy to follow but slow. The story moves at a languid pace to suit the overall atmosphere of gloom, treachery, and violence. It’s a good change from reading about only the best side of London. This one is realistic and brutal. 

The main characters take some to get used to. Jem is easier to follow than Will, who seems to have a rather delicate disposition. There’s some backstory I’m missing (obviously), but that doesn’t affect the core plot, so I could read it for what it is without worrying too much. 

Since Jem is an apothecary doctor, we get insights into treatments, salves, and stuff. This is quite interesting (and I always like to read about natural medicine). Also, kind of scary that leeches are placed on the neck to drain some blood and provide relief from migraines. *shudder* 

The central mystery slowly unravels as Jem and Will find more information and try to connect the dots. A few clues and red herrings are scattered for readers to guess. There’s a bit of wordplay, too - some for dark humor and some as clues. 

Given the time period, the book also mentions the Golconda diamonds (still in the possession of the British). There are a couple of references to the Indian colonies, and a bit of racism, which was natural back then. 

The side characters are interesting. Thimble has great potential. I hope this lad becomes a recurring character like Jenny. Among those involved in the case, Caroline and Charlotte stand out from the rest. I like how the book shows the other side of privileged activism, where the saviors will do anything to ensure the unfortunate will continue to be needy. After all, if people have better lives, they won’t need saviors. Gasp! 

Another point I like is how women found ways to have a career and achieve their ambitions despite the stifling limitations. They still had to give up certain things, but they were willing to do it. (Not saying more to avoid spoilers). 

The book ends on a hopeful note. I’m curious to see how Jem and Will will solve more cases that come their way. I’ve also added the previous ones to my list. 

To summarize, Under Ground is a dark, stinky, and murderous mystery that works as a standalone, though you might enjoy it more if you read at least one book in the series. I still liked this.  

Thank you, NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK, and Constable, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #UnderGround 

 3.5 Stars

A twelve-year-old Aileen belongs to a powerful line of the Wise Women of the Skarr. She lives with her Aunt Beck in a little cottage, having a happy time while also wondering why her magic has yet to show itself. Their cousin, King Kenig, sends Aileen, Aunt Beck, Ogo, and cousin Ivar on a mission to break a spell and breach the barrier between the three islands of Chaldea and the fourth. Soon, Aileen realizes that this mission is not only dangerous but also the one to lead to her some greater. 

The story comes in Aileen’s first-person POV, written as an adult. 

I hadn’t read the author’s works, so I had no idea what to expect. This helped a lot as I could read with no expectations, comparisons, or guesswork about where the author’s story ended and where her sister continued the rest. 

The narration is on the slower side, which makes sense due to the fantasy setting and world-building. The characters are easy to guess (as in who would become what/ who, etc.). There are still a couple of teeny twists. These do the job if we don’t focus too much on the details or logic. 

The concept of guardian animals and the constant irritation between the Abrahamic and pagan cultures are shown well. The setting is apparently an ode to the British Isles. The whole thing talks of sharing wisdom and co-existing with one another (though we know what happened in real life). 

Aileen starts out a little tentative, though we can see she’s got strong opinions and quite a temper. Aunt Beck is fun to read, though I did miss her tone caused of a plot development. Prince Ivar and Ogo are stereotypical, which means they are what they are but different at the same time. 

The last section feels a lot rushed as if the story had to be wrapped up in a fixed number of pages. Also, there is no epilogue, though we get a mini summation in a couple of paragraphs. 

A few other aspects are jerky, though I guess they have been left for the reader to assume. Some of it could have worked better with a smoother and more detailed transition. 

Nevertheless, The Islands of Chaldea is an intriguing and entertaining story of magic, a journey, discovering one’s potential, and the classic good vs. evil. Both covers are wonderful, though I like this a lot better. 

 4 Stars 

It is Christmas time, and Mina Kestle gets one step closer to signing the biggest deal for her agency. This is everything she wanted, or so it seems until Mina finds a cryptic letter with an iron key in her handbag. 

Why did her godfather contact her after twenty years? Mina doesn’t want to bother. After all, he didn’t respond when she needed the most. However, she rushes to his cottage on the tiny Cornish island of Morgelyn to take care of his cat, Murr. Mina is sure she can sort the matters in a day and rush back to London and her life. 

However, many truths come out in the open, forcing Mina to reconsider what she knew about her life and her godfather. With more concerns added to the list, Mina might be the only one to set things right, with Murr’s help, of course! The grey cat with green eyes has its own stories to tell! 

The book comes in Mina’s first-person POV and snippets of folklore/ stories in the third-person POV. 

This is a whimsical, cozy, cutesy story with Cornish folklore and contemporary drama set in December. The book is less than 250 pages and has a steady pace. While this sacrifices some character development, it’s easy enough to empathize with the main characters. 

The book has touches of magic realism, though it is very light. The otherworldly elements get stronger as the story progresses. This works for the plot as Mina takes time to feel a part of the tiny island with a history. 

The stories woven into the main plot are my favorite. They are short and evocative and stay connected to the overall storyline, even if it is not immediately apparent. 

Murr, the mysterious cat, is one of the main characters. She does have a prominent role, though I think it could have been even better. I was hoping for Murr to be more active in the present. That said, the story relies on the cat and justifies the title and the cover (don’t you love that cover design). 

The book has a bit of romance, too, though it doesn’t dominate the main plot. The same goes for a touch of inclusivity with a non-binary character (very minor role) and a lesbian ex-couple. 

The villain or the grey character does what they are supposed to do. No depth again, though we do get a reason for their actions. 

The writing, however, is beautiful. The descriptions have a touch of poetic charm without feeling verbose or overwhelming and also without slowing down the narration. I love how the words flow. The setting doesn’t just come alive. It sucks the reader in and transports them to the cold, mystical island with secrets from the past. 

The book was an almost 5-star read until certain twists or revelations came to light. Though it sounds heartbreaking, I have too many questions and not enough information (also, I'm not a fan of that trope). I wish this aspect was handled differently. Not saying more to avoid spoilers. 

There’s an epilogue with happy moments, so that’s a bonus. 

To summarize, A Midwinter's Tail is a heartwarming novel about life, priorities, and being true to oneself, community, and family. You can finish it in a couple of hours on a cozy afternoon.  

Thank you, NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK, and Sphere, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #AMidwintersTail 

 3 Stars (I hate rating this one low)

1796, New Hampshire 

Ona Judge is the favored dowry slave of Mistress Martha, wife of George Washington, the President of the USA. After years of slavery, she escapes, hoping to lead a free life. However, there’s a reward on her head, and Ona needs to stay alive long enough to tell her story. 

Present Day, Chincoteague, Virginia 

Tessa Scott agrees to survey Mama Calloway’s ancestral property despite a tight schedule. Life is hard, dealing with her controlling boyfriend and managing her business, but Tessa can’t say no to Mama Calloway. 

She stumbles upon an old journal wrapped in a cloth and takes it home to realize it belongs to Aunt Ona, who is quite possibly the famous Ona Judge. As Tessa reads the journal, she realizes the true extent of her past and that it’s high time she took control of her life. 

The story comes in the first-person POVs of Ona Judge and Tessa Scott. 

When I read The Dust Bowl Orphans by the author, I loved how she created two strong characters in the historical and contemporary timelines. I expected something similar in this book but couldn’t find it. 

Both books have a few similarities – 

By that definition, I should have liked this one as much as the other. In fact, I should have liked it more since Ona Judge is a real person. However, the contemporary track in this one is pretty much a waste. (We’ll get to this later.)

Historical Track

Firstly, the historical track comes from Ona’s POV, detailing her life at different ages (starting at 10). We see the lives of slaves, the lack of dignity and respect, or even how they are not even considered human beings.

From the beginning, Ona’s character comes across as someone extremely aware of her situation and has definite opinions about it. While this highlights the atrocities and racism, it doesn’t ‘show’ them to the reader. Instead, we are hit on the head with her thoughts. It makes sense to an extent since the journal was written by an adult Ona. However, what we read is not a journal but a direct narration by the character.

Still, I don’t mind it much as the track does what it intends to do – expose the duality of the Washingtons and how even ‘heroes’ can be villains. As a non-American, it was easy to imagine this side of the ‘celebrated leaders’. We are rather used to whitewashed versions.

However, even after reading the entire book, I’m not sure if I know One Judge. She is a real person who achieved something many couldn’t. I should have felt her tangible presence on the pages. Sadly, I only got brief glimpses into who she might have been. Moreover, many events seemed to have been glossed over and simplified.

Her story should either have been more fleshed out (creative liberties are already taken, so why not more?) or told in the third person to suit the tone.

Contemporary Track

Well, where do I even begin? 

The connection between both tracks is quite flimsy, and we could have done with removing this one altogether. Ona Judge is a great-great-grandaunt of Mama Calloway, a relative of Tessa. And Tessa finds the journal, which helps her make the right decisions about her life. 

The problem here is Tessa. She is a walking contradiction and impossible to root for. Right in the first chapter, she says her boyfriend, Dominic, displays controlling behavior and raises red flags. We even ‘see’ it in his actions. Yet, our darling overachiever calls him a prime real estate (no issues with women objectifying men?) a few chapters later (that too after she is almost sure he has cheated on her as well). 

One minute, she is worried about being pregnant and doesn’t want to be tied down to him. Yet, she knows he is a long-term planner. Not just that, he blatantly avoids answering her question and tells her she is marriage material (so him sleeping around with other women shouldn’t be a threat), and all this independent young woman can think of is how hot jealousy s*x is (something that is borderline nonconsensual in this scene). Like, seriously? 

I already revealed a few spoilers, so won’t mention more. Suffice it to say, Tessa is a failed attempt at combining a successful woman with a victim of abuse, doing justice to neither. While it is true that independent and confident women also end up in abusive relationships, this book doesn’t present the situation well. And the ending is so convenient and easy! 

To summarize, My Name Is Ona Judge has its merits and would serve as an introduction to read more about Ona Judge. However, it fails to live up to the potential of the title or the person. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MyNameisOnaJudge 

 

 3.8 Stars

Some of you already know I can’t resist a good cover. This book is no exception. When two friends added the book, I knew I had to read it, at least for that black and gold cover. With wolves, mermaids, and dragons, this one promised to be an exciting ride. 

The book begins with a quick note by the author and potential triggers listed with the story titles. The underlying theme is supernatural/ paranormal for all stories. That makes this a highly diverse collection set in various worlds. The writing style is easy to follow and blends descriptions, emotions, and storytelling.  

However, as with every anthology, some stories were wonderful, some good, and some meh. Here’s a short review of each story (written after reading it). I read 2-3 stories a day.  

Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind – 4 Stars 

Amika, a dragon scale gatherer, has a hard time finding enough freshly-shed scales to make money for a living (and feed her family). What does a chance encounter with a dragon do to her? Can she survive to tell the tale? What a start to the anthology. Beautiful! I wish this was a novella with good world-building. 

A Taste of Grace – 4.5 Stars 

A retelling of Rapunzel that starts a few years after the HEA in the original. It tackles the theme of addiction, the reason for Rapunzel being taken by the witch. A fresh and unique perspective and in the right length.  

A Spoonful of Spice – 3.5 Stars 

This was fun, alright! Except that it reads more like a rounded excerpt from a novel than a complete short story. I wouldn’t mind reading the full version if it’s available. 

Deep Dive – 3 Stars 

Iris goes on a sky-diving trip for her birthday. However, cannot help but think about something that happened earlier. While thoughts are fine, someone listening to them through the telepathy chip is not. This one has the right tension and pace but is predictable to an extent. 

The Grave Dangers – 4.5 Stars 

Tristan regrets abandoning his sweetheart when she catches the Dancing Plague. Desperate to make amends, he visits the graveyard in the woods with a gift. The Flickers (ghosts) come to life at night and tend to kill anyone who trespasses. Can Tristan make it alive? This one managed to spring surprises and has a lovely ending. 

Mer-Child – 5 Stars 

This should be a novella or even a novel. It made me teary-eyed (which doesn’t happen often). Half-breeds have no place after a treaty for ‘peace’ between humans and merfolk. But Tula is determined to survive and find her only family, her father- the man who doesn’t even know of her existence.  

Tough Crowd – 4 Stars 

Jessmina works as a jester at an inn as the war continues to ravage outside. However, the latest visitors at the inn may bring some more for her. This is a short and emotional story about war, family, understanding, and forgiveness. 

Topsy Turvy Tiger – 2 Stars 

Well, I had high hopes, given the title (I love alliterations), but this was mostly meh. Magical circus and all. It needs some fleshing out to read better. 

Just a Hench – 3.5 Stars 

Set in the far future, it’s the story of Liz, the abandoned daughter of a supervillain. Life is not easy with either side suspecting her, but a girl’s got to find a way to live! This one is quite heartwarming, though I couldn’t connect with it much. 

Change of Heart – 4 Stars 

Written in the second-person POV, it’s the story of a young werewolf fearing the change (transition from human to wolf). But then, some things cannot be controlled. It’s a short piece with a sort of haunting-like tone with a lovely message. Something is missing, though. 

Down in Flames – 2.5 Stars 

A magical (of-sorts) raid on smugglers where the narrator has an over-enthusiastic young partner to train on the job. Anything could go wrong, and her guilt could mess things up further. This should have been more detailed and longer. It reads like an excerpt. 

Prince of Bees – 4 Stars 

Where is my epilogue? This is the story of Prince Ivan, a gentle young man on a rescue mission to save a princess from an evil sorcerer. Of course, has to handle his own brothers first, but there’s someone to help, too. This is a sweet story that reads much like a fairytale. 

Of Masks and Macarenas – 4.5 Stars 

This is one of my favorites in the book. What happens when a wannabe ghost haunts an opera singer’s shows? Tina sure isn’t the kind to bow down without a fight. An entertainer. 

Retrieval – 4.5 Stars 

A Tulitian woman has to save her friend’s half-Tulitian boys before they are hurt. With the official agencies being useless in this aspect, she has to do it her way. Is it possible? This is a heartwarming story with a good dose of emotion and action. 

Tiger Bright – 4 Stars 

A man-eater is hunting the village, and the narrator, a young girl is the one sent to save the people. After all, she has some gifts to do so. But at what cost? The narration is vivid and gripping. Creative, for sure. The plot itself is such that it can go in a loop until something changes. 

Sea Claim – 4.5 Stars 

Terrific! Galia and Odessi are half-human, half-mer. At fifteen, the sea would claim them as her own. They stand on the shore, ready for the Change. But Galia has second thoughts. What will this do to her life? You can guess what will happen, but that won’t stop you from reading. No other ending would suit the story. 

The Perfumers of Qukamar – 4 Stars 

Adi Shebalik has been cursed by an ambitious aromancer for not submitting to her. Since then, he’s searching for someone to save him from doom. After all, how can a perfumer smell only two scents? This is a fun story with drama, intrigue, emotion, and HEA. A complete package, though I wouldn’t say no to a bit more world-building. 

Sir Gawain and The Green Thumb – 4 Stars 

This is a funny little retelling set in King Arthur’s kingdom. The kind you sit back and enjoy. Sir Gawain, a new knight, buys an (electronic) lawnmower. However, his enthusiasm gets him in trouble. Can he save his skin this time? 

The Screwtech Letters – 4.5 Stars 

Lol… this is such a one-sided epistolary short story where Sir Frederick, the Crasher of Computers, teaches his cousin George to mess up the computer for an upgrade. Too good! Pure entertainment. 

No Man’s Jungle – 4 Stars 

Oh, my kind of story! Dawson Malone is on yet another quest and enters a forest despite warnings from an old seller. But then he is too sure of himself to do otherwise. So what happens next? This is a fun read with a nice twist at the end. 

The Wolf at the Door – 4.5 Stars 

Oh, this is such a beautiful and heartfelt retelling of the original. It takes the core elements and places them in a totally different setting. Won’t reveal anything else. Beautiful! 

The Mermaid’s Soul – 3.5 Stars 

Do Mermaids have a soul? What about someone like Ianthe, who is neither a mermaid nor a human? How does her interaction with a man change her life? I loved the previous two mermaid stories and had high hopes for this one. While I like the theme tackled, the story somehow felt underwhelming. Maybe because it was too short, or my mind connected a scene from the story to one from a movie I saw as a child, never mind that these two have nothing in common except a mermaid. 

In case you’re wondering, here it is: Sahasa Veerudu Sagara Kanya (Adventurous Hero and the Sea Maiden), a 1996 Telugu movie. 

To summarize, Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind and Other Stories is an intriguing and entertaining collection of 22 short stories with something for everyone. Only two stories fall below the 3-star mark, with 4 stories between 3 and 4 stars. 

However, anthologies are highly subjective, so give it a read to find your favorites. I’ll be sure to other works by the author. 

Thank you, Prolific Works and SnowRidge Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.