Mini Thoughts
Hello, all!
This Ravenous Fate- Hayley Dennings: It's 1926, and Harlem is being overrun by reapers. The only thing stopping these human-turned-vampires from completely taking over are the Saints. Eighteen-year-old Elise Saint has recently returned from Paris to reluctantly take over as heir to her family's reaper-hunting empire. Elise doesn't agree with her father's cutthroat ways, but she'll do anything to keep her little sister out of harm's way-- even if that means working with a reaper who wants her dead. Layla Quinn used to be best friends with Elise. They were attached at the hip until Elise's family betrayed Layla, leaving her orphaned and turned into a reaper. But when Layla gets framed for a brutal string of killings where reapers are turning human again, she has no choice but to work with Elise to uncover the truth behind the alleged reaper cure. As their investigations lead them all over the city, the pair must confront not only their past together but also the dark secrets that threaten both humans and reapers alike.
I knew the moment I read this synopsis that this would be right up my alley, and boy, was I right. I was hooked from the start that I ended up reading 300 pages of this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. It was so fast-paced and packed with drama that I needed to know how the story would play out. I thought Elise and Layla were both strong MCs, and I liked learning about their history and how they went from best friends to bitter enemies. Both had to confront hard truths throughout the story, Elise slightly more so, which led to an interesting dynamic between the two. It was also so satisfying watching Elise break free of her father's manipulations and finally stand up for herself. My only complaint was that the romance between Elise and Layla felt a little bit like an afterthought, but other than that, it was such a solid and entertaining read, and I can't wait for the next one.
The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish- Paula Brackston: It's 1881, and Hecate Cavendish is pushing the boundaries on what is deemed acceptable for young ladies by riding a bike, shortening her dress hems, and even getting a job. Hecate has always loved books and history, and her archeologist father has nurtured these interests as much as possible. So Hecate is overjoyed when he gets her a position as an assistant librarian at Hereford Cathedral. The imposing stone structure houses some of the oldest tomes, and Hecate can't wait to see what information she can glean from them. But on Hecate's first day, she notices something strange-- she can see and speak with ghosts. At first, Hecate thrills at befriending the spirits of the cathedral but soon learns that there is an evil lurking amongst the other docile ghosts, and she must use her newfound gifts to banish the danger before it's too late.
I love a historical mystery with magical vibes, so this immediately piqued my interest when I saw it on the shelves. I hadn't heard of it beforehand, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed it. I thought Hecate was a solid main character. She was intelligent, resourceful, and a tad impulsive. I loved her relationship with her father. He supported her endeavors, even going so far as to help her with her investigations. Watching Hecate interact with the cathedral's ghosts and the magical map in the library was my favorite part. Her ability is so interesting, and I hope it develops even more in the coming books. I also enjoyed the pacing and how atmospheric Brackston's writing was. The only thing that gave me pause was the ending. I get that it's the start of a series, but good grief, it was so unsatisfying. It felt so abrupt. Give us a cliffhanger or something to entice us to pick up the next book instead of just fizzling out. It's unfortunate because I think it has the potential to be a good series, but I don't feel tempted enough to continue.
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| Pub Date: 8-6-24 YA - Historical Fantasy |
This Ravenous Fate- Hayley Dennings: It's 1926, and Harlem is being overrun by reapers. The only thing stopping these human-turned-vampires from completely taking over are the Saints. Eighteen-year-old Elise Saint has recently returned from Paris to reluctantly take over as heir to her family's reaper-hunting empire. Elise doesn't agree with her father's cutthroat ways, but she'll do anything to keep her little sister out of harm's way-- even if that means working with a reaper who wants her dead. Layla Quinn used to be best friends with Elise. They were attached at the hip until Elise's family betrayed Layla, leaving her orphaned and turned into a reaper. But when Layla gets framed for a brutal string of killings where reapers are turning human again, she has no choice but to work with Elise to uncover the truth behind the alleged reaper cure. As their investigations lead them all over the city, the pair must confront not only their past together but also the dark secrets that threaten both humans and reapers alike.
I knew the moment I read this synopsis that this would be right up my alley, and boy, was I right. I was hooked from the start that I ended up reading 300 pages of this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. It was so fast-paced and packed with drama that I needed to know how the story would play out. I thought Elise and Layla were both strong MCs, and I liked learning about their history and how they went from best friends to bitter enemies. Both had to confront hard truths throughout the story, Elise slightly more so, which led to an interesting dynamic between the two. It was also so satisfying watching Elise break free of her father's manipulations and finally stand up for herself. My only complaint was that the romance between Elise and Layla felt a little bit like an afterthought, but other than that, it was such a solid and entertaining read, and I can't wait for the next one.
Rating: 4/5
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| Pub Date: 7-23-24 Adult - Historical Fantasy |
The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish- Paula Brackston: It's 1881, and Hecate Cavendish is pushing the boundaries on what is deemed acceptable for young ladies by riding a bike, shortening her dress hems, and even getting a job. Hecate has always loved books and history, and her archeologist father has nurtured these interests as much as possible. So Hecate is overjoyed when he gets her a position as an assistant librarian at Hereford Cathedral. The imposing stone structure houses some of the oldest tomes, and Hecate can't wait to see what information she can glean from them. But on Hecate's first day, she notices something strange-- she can see and speak with ghosts. At first, Hecate thrills at befriending the spirits of the cathedral but soon learns that there is an evil lurking amongst the other docile ghosts, and she must use her newfound gifts to banish the danger before it's too late.
I love a historical mystery with magical vibes, so this immediately piqued my interest when I saw it on the shelves. I hadn't heard of it beforehand, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed it. I thought Hecate was a solid main character. She was intelligent, resourceful, and a tad impulsive. I loved her relationship with her father. He supported her endeavors, even going so far as to help her with her investigations. Watching Hecate interact with the cathedral's ghosts and the magical map in the library was my favorite part. Her ability is so interesting, and I hope it develops even more in the coming books. I also enjoyed the pacing and how atmospheric Brackston's writing was. The only thing that gave me pause was the ending. I get that it's the start of a series, but good grief, it was so unsatisfying. It felt so abrupt. Give us a cliffhanger or something to entice us to pick up the next book instead of just fizzling out. It's unfortunate because I think it has the potential to be a good series, but I don't feel tempted enough to continue.
Rating: 3/5
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| Pub Date: 8-20-24 YA - Fantasy |
Wisteria- Adalyn Grace: Blythe Hawthorn is sick of everyone treating her like a porcelain doll. Now that she's over the poisoning that almost killed her, Blythe is ready to live. She wants adventure, but instead, she's married to a brute. As part of a deal, Blyth finds herself wed to Aris, better known as the immortal Fate. Neither is happy about being bound together, and both are set to do whatever it takes to make the other as miserable as possible. But the longer Blythe stays at Wisteria, she begins noticing strange things happening. She glimpses memories that aren't hers and discovers she has a powerful ability that causes dangerous ripple effects. It doesn't take long for Blythe to realize her newfound magic has something to do with Aris's past wife and must decide if she's willing to embrace everything that comes with it.
I enjoyed the previous two books in this series, but Grace went and saved the best for last. I ate this book up. When I say I love the hate-to-love trope, this is what I mean. Blythe and Aris despise one another and take every opportunity to dig the knife in a little deeper. The animosity between them is so palpable, so it's all the more satisfying to watch it turn into something else. I loved the realization when it's clear who Blythe is to Aris. All of the magical elements are well done, and I liked learning more about the connection between Fate, Life, and Death. There's another mystery in here that gets--for lack of a better word-- chaotic, which made the ending feel a tad rushed for me, but I still enjoyed how everything wrapped up. I didn't love Aris in the previous book, but he redeemed himself here, and this is now my favorite in the series. If you like atmospheric, Gothic-feeling fantasies, I'd recommend checking it out.
I enjoyed the previous two books in this series, but Grace went and saved the best for last. I ate this book up. When I say I love the hate-to-love trope, this is what I mean. Blythe and Aris despise one another and take every opportunity to dig the knife in a little deeper. The animosity between them is so palpable, so it's all the more satisfying to watch it turn into something else. I loved the realization when it's clear who Blythe is to Aris. All of the magical elements are well done, and I liked learning more about the connection between Fate, Life, and Death. There's another mystery in here that gets--for lack of a better word-- chaotic, which made the ending feel a tad rushed for me, but I still enjoyed how everything wrapped up. I didn't love Aris in the previous book, but he redeemed himself here, and this is now my favorite in the series. If you like atmospheric, Gothic-feeling fantasies, I'd recommend checking it out.
Rating: 4.5/5
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