Fantasy

#Fantasy Worth Reading: Thorn Hedge #BookReview

Book Review, Fantasy / /

 

Fairy Tales with Thorns: A Quick Bite of Magic and Mystery

review Thorn Hedge

 

After absolutely adoring Nettle & Bone, I knew I needed more T. Kingfisher in my reading life. Her books have a knack for blending whimsy, darkness, and a healthy dose of oddness — a combination I can never resist. Enter Thorn Hedge, a novella that delivers a punchy, satisfying tale in a small package. It’s like a dark, magical snack, perfect for an afternoon read.

In Thorn Hedge, Kingfisher draws us into a world of thorny secrets and twisted fairy tales. The story centers around Toadling, a creature who is part frog, part fairy, and part human, tasked with guarding a massive thorn hedge. What’s behind the hedge? A sleeping curse, changelings, and a mystery you think you know — but with Kingfisher’s trademark flair, the retelling takes you down unexpected paths.

What I loved most about this book is the atmosphere. It’s mysterious, with an undercurrent of darkness that makes the story feel rich and layered. The magic is present, but it isn’t whimsical; it has teeth. The fairies aren’t the friendly kind, and the oddities make the world feel both charming and unsettling. This blend of darkness and strangeness kept me hooked.

The twists in the story are subtle yet delicious. Even when I could guess the fairy tale being retold, Kingfisher’s take felt fresh and unpredictable. Toadling is such a unique character — a blend of melancholy, duty, and quiet strength. Her journey, though brief, left a lasting impression.

If you love fairy tale retellings with a dark edge, characters who defy expectations, and stories that feel like peeking behind a veil of thorns, Thorn Hedge is for you. T. Kingfisher has once again proven why she’s quickly become one of my favorite authors. Another one of her books is already on my library waitlist, and I can’t wait to dive into more of her magical worlds.

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Unlock Adventure with The Recruit – A Free Novel Set in the Rifters Universe.

Fantasy, Science Fiction Books, Speculative Fiction / /

 

Do you love thrilling adventures, ancient mysteries, and secrets lurking in quiet towns? If so, you’re in for a treat! I’m excited to offer you The Recruit, FREE. This novel is an exciting prequel to The Rifters series. All you need to do is join the MPax Dimension.

The Recruit, A Rifters Adventure

Charming Moon Knight seems like she has her future all figured out. A safe, predictable career in paleontology with options for steady teaching jobs or staying in academia. But that’s not what she craves. Instead of lecture halls, Charming yearns for the excitement of discovery, the thrill of fieldwork, and the untold mysteries of the past.

When an unexpected invitation arrives from the Paleo Institute in Settler, Oregon, promising hands-on fieldwork and the opportunity to study Mesozoic marine dinosaurs, Charming can’t resist the lure of something more. Settler is a quiet town nestled within an ancient caldera—peaceful, serene, and seemingly perfect. But as Charming’s arrival stirs strange visions and an undeniable connection to the enigmatic Earl Blacke, she begins to suspect that this sleepy little town might not be what it seems.

As Charming delves deeper into the community, she uncovers a truth hidden beneath the surface: Settler is guarding a portal—a rift in the forest where creatures from other universes slip through. And all the while, a group known as the Rifters watches over this fragile world, ensuring that nothing slips through that shouldn’t.

But for Charming, this quiet town might be more than just a place for fieldwork—it could be her destiny, if she’s willing to face the unknown and everything that comes with it.

Why You’ll Love The Recruit

  • Mystery and Adventure: Dive into a world of ancient creatures, secret societies, and the unexpected as Charming discovers a hidden side of the world she never imagined.

  • A Strong Female Lead: Charming is smart, driven, and curious—perfect for readers who enjoy characters who are more than capable of tackling the unknown.

  • The Rifters Universe: The Recruit is set in the world of The Rifters series, offering a thrilling sneak peek at the larger adventure to come.

Get Your FREE Copy Now!

The Recruit is completely FREE to anyone who joins the MPax Dimension mailing list. You’ll get early access to updates, behind-the-scenes peeks at upcoming projects, and, of course, this exciting short adventure set in the Rifters universe!

Ready to start reading? Just click the link below to join the MPax Dimension and claim your free copy of The Recruit today!

Get The Recruit

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#Fantasy Worth Reading: A Court of Thorns and Roses #BookReview

Book Review, Fantasy, Science Fiction Books / /

 

🌹 A Court of Thorns and Roses: A Twisted and Engaging Retelling

review A court of thorns and roses

I recently finished A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, and I have to say, I’m impressed! At first, the story reminded me a lot of a retelling and reimagining of Beauty and the Beast—which, if you know me, I love. But while there are some similarities, this book brings so much more to the table than just a typical fairy-tale retelling.

A Familiar Yet Unpredictable Adventure

On the surface, A Court of Thorns and Roses follows a storyline that might seem familiar—an ordinary young woman who is thrust into a magical world and has to navigate a complicated relationship with a cursed beast. However, as you dive into the world Maas has created, you’ll quickly realize it’s so much more than that.

This is a world where fairies aren’t necessarily the kindly, whimsical creatures you might expect. Instead, they have their own agendas and aren’t always as nice as they seem. The twists and turns in this story kept me on my toes, and I loved how Maas subverted expectations at every corner. More than once, the book surprised me, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

World-Building and Complex Characters

One of the standout features of A Court of Thorns and Roses is the world-building. Maas creates a richly detailed and immersive world that feels both magical and dangerous. The realm of the Fae is beautifully crafted, full of mystery and intrigue. I could practically feel the magic pulsing through the pages.

Equally impressive are the characters. Feyre, the protagonist, is both strong and vulnerable, with a depth that I didn’t expect. The relationships she navigates are complicated, layered with emotion and hidden motivations. This isn’t just a story about a girl and a beast—it’s a journey of survival, power, and self-discovery. The characters’ complexities added so much richness to the plot, and I found myself invested in their growth throughout the story.

Final Thoughts

Overall, A Court of Thorns and Roses is a captivating read that blends familiar fairy-tale elements with unexpected twists. With great world-building, compelling characters, and a plot full of surprises, I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. This book has me hooked, and I’m definitely planning to read more of the series to see where it goes.

Happy reading, and here’s to more magical adventures! ✨

 

 

 

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#Fantasy Worth Reading: For Santa’s Sake, Harlow #BookReview #cozymystery #BookLover

Book Review, Fantasy, Science Fiction Books / /

 

Looking for a fantastic mystery to put yourself in the holiday mood? I highly recommend this one!

Fantasy worth reading For Santa's Sake Harlow

This story was a true pleasure to read. It was filled with cozy, Hallmark moments with lots of feels, and I rooted for the main character to shed some of her crusty personality. Oh, and there’s murder!

The story centers around Harlow, a successful journalist at the Local Rag. One of the columnists is missing (Crystal who writes the psychic advice column) and winds up dead! Not only that, she haunts Harlow, nagging her to find her killer.

Crystal (the dead one) and Harlow are polar opposites, which results in a lot of fun and poignant moments.

I didn’t guess the killer, but I’m sometimes bad at these things. It doesn’t matter, the twists the investigation takes are fun. There’s lots of Christmas in the story, too.

I’m always willing to take whatever ride this author takes me on. I’ve enjoyed all of Gwen Gardner’s ghostly tales, and this is no exception. Keep writing, Gwen!

Here’s the blurb:

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#Fantasy Worth Reading: Guardian of Monster #BookReview #fantasybooks #booklover

Book Review, Fantasy, Science Fiction Books / /

 

A fun world to get lost in!

fantasy worth reading Guardian of Monsters

The story takes place in Savannah where the supernatural world and the mundane world coexist. The overlay of the supernatural gave the novel a very gothic feel. Which I like.

The use of magic was interesting, too. The main character, Celestine, is a shifter who can shift into a wolf and also a witch who wields earth magic. She’s an artist who creates prophetic pieces of art. When the man she considers her uncle is murdered, this ability becomes a curse as wella s providing valuable clues to stop the killer.

There’s found family and romance in the story as the main character begins to realize her full potential. Oh, and then, of course, there’s a monster. I like monsters.

I recommend not missing this one!

Here’s the blurb:

Supernaturally on the case! Celestine LeBlanc and Luna Finley are the Sleuths of Shadow Salon.

Celestine, witch and wolf shifter has a talent for prophetic drawings. She’s shocked when she draws her landlord Ray with his eyes gouged out and a strange winged-mermaid leaning over him. Later she finds an eyeless Ray dead on the sidewalk. All she wanted to do was open a gallery, but first she must apprehend his killer. In a posthumous note, Ray wrote he wasn’t just a leather-smith but a supernatural pirate mage. Years back, his Jekyll crew trapped the evil Demon Three Eyes clan. Ray feared they’d escaped, were stalking him, and would soon wreak havoc on Savannah.

Oryn, a fellow student in Celestine’s continuing ed art class, is a fae and a thorn in her side, when he asks nosy questions about the case. Yet, she’s drawn to him when he’s her masseur at the spa she frequents, and he’s clever at brainstorming leads regarding Ray’s case. He insists his air magic could come in handy.

When pirates in Ray’s old crew are murdered, their body parts stolen, Celestine puts more horrifying clues together. She’ll need everyone on board, includingLuna, a mermaid asking to show her sea-glass sculptures at Celestine’s new gallery—and the very same mermaid in Celestine’s tragic drawing of Ray. Otherwise, the lethal monstrosity Demon Three Eyes is unleashing on Savannah will destroy the city and everyone in it.

 

 

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Happy Summer Solstice! Flash Sale Alert! Ends June 24, 2024! The Rifters Series is on Sale! #fantasy #steampunk #scifi #paranormal

Fantasy, Not of this Earth Bookshop, Sale, Science Fiction Books, Speculative Fiction / /

 

🌞 Happy Summer Solstice! 🌞

To celebrate the Summer Solstice, I’m having an incredible flash sale at the Not of this World Bookshop! For one week only, from June 18 to June 24, you can get The Initiate, The Reader, and The Tracer for just 99c each. Plus, enjoy the audiobooks for only $1.99! Don’t miss out on these thrilling adventures at unbeatable prices!

popular steampunk fantasy series

The Initiate

🌟 The Initiate – Only 99c!

On her first day as an Initiate of the Rifters, Daelin Long faces a daunting challenge. Should she lie to her fellow Rifters or tell the truth? The wrong decision could doom her sister. As if that weren’t enough, there are volcanic killer ash bees to deal with. Meanwhile, Earl Blacke must choose between his chance at redemption and striking gold.

The Reader

📖 The Reader – Just 99c!

Daelin Long is bored with no monsters to fight until her brother disappears, leading to strange happenings: dead people come back to life, portraits transform into white trees, and rift weirdness ensues. Though the Rifters think it’s just an offended ghost, Daelin knows it’s something far more dangerous. She must find and destroy it before it destroys our world.

The Tracer

🚀 The Tracer – Now 99c!

Daelin Long returns in a thrilling new adventure as the portal connecting Earth to other worlds reopens. Thrust into a new world with seven moons, she faces a monster that exists in two universes at once. Armed with only her staff, wits, and an uninformed detective, Daelin must lead the fight to save her sister and protect Earth from impending apocalypse.

Audiobook Deals

🎧 Audiobooks – Only $1.99!

Immerse yourself in the world of Daelin Long with our audiobooks, now on sale for just $1.99! Perfect for summer road trips or relaxing by the pool.

📚 Don’t Miss Out! 📚

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with these fantastic deals. Head over to the Not of this World Bookshop and get your copies of The Initiate, The Reader, and The Tracer for just 99c each, and don’t forget to grab the audiobooks for only $1.99!

Grab Your Summer Reads Now and Enjoy the Adventure! 🌞

SOLSTICE SALE!

 

 

Happy Summer Solstice! Flash Sale Alert! Ends June 24, 2024! The Rifters Series is on Sale! #fantasy #steampunk #scifi #paranormal Read More »

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