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Hello, all!
The Bridge Kingdom- Danielle L. Jensen: Growing up, Lara wasn't trained as a princess usually would in embroidery or etiquette. Instead, she and her sisters were raised in exile, learning the art of poison, hand-to-hand combat, and anything else that would help them bring their enemy to its knees. Lara's homeland has always been deprived of its most basic needs by the cruel king of the Bridge Kingdom. Lara has been waiting for years to get her revenge on King Aren, and when she is sent as a bride per their two countries' peace treaty, she's ready to do her duty. But as she arrives in her new home, Lara realizes that not everything she was taught was true. As her feelings for Aren grow, Lara is torn between her loyalty to her father and the new home she's come to love.
I've only read one other book by Jensen that I DNF'ed, so I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I thought the beginning was solid. I liked learning the politics and history of this world. I thought Lara was a strong MC, and I liked her ruthlessness. I thought the tension and banter between her and Aren were pretty good. I didn't believe the chemistry, but I still liked it. I enjoyed watching Lara grow and uncover truths that were hidden from her. She became more sympathetic, and I liked watching her begin to care for the people she was sent to kill. I started becoming bored in the middle because the plot started dragging. There were a lot of action and battle scenes, but nothing about it seemed exciting. I could tell how the story would play out, so I kept waiting for it to get there. I'm slightly interested enough to pick up the second book, but I won't make it a priority.
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| Pub Date: 10-15-24 Adult - Fantasy |
Sorcery and Small Magics- Maiga Doocy: Leovander Loveage is an impulsive sorcerer who would rather get by on his charm than his magic. After an incident when he was young, Leo swore off grandmagic, instead opting to use his talents to summon insects or make his clothes warmer. His use of small magics hasn't endeared Leo to many, but every time Leo tried something bigger, it always ended in disaster. But when a spell mix-up leaves Leo cursed to obey the commands of his rival, Sebastian Grimm, Leo is desperate for a way to break it. Leo and Sebastian couldn't be more different. Still, the one thing they can agree on is that if anyone discovers they dabbled in forbidden magics (even accidentally), their careers would be over. Desperate for a counterspell, the pair chase rumors of a powerful sorceress living in a dangerous forest, hoping she'll have the power to dissolve the curse. But the curse proves harder to shake than they expected, forcing Leo to look within himself and face his fears about his magic-- and his growing feelings for Sebastian.
Doocy wove together such a whimsically charming story that I couldn't get enough of. I loved the combination of historical and fantasy elements. It wasn't a mind-blowing read, but it was entertaining and cozy. I enjoyed our two MCs. I liked how different they were, so seeing them banter and bump heads was fun. Leo was such a showman, while Sebastian was so grumpy. Watching their dynamic grow and change was so satisfying, and I'm eager to see it continue in the coming books. I'm also looking forward to seeing how their relationship grows as you get the barest of hints at it here. Aside from the characters, I thought the magic system was interesting, and I loved the quest element of breaking the curse. The pacing was occasionally too slow, but that's me being nit-picky. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait to read the next one.
Doocy wove together such a whimsically charming story that I couldn't get enough of. I loved the combination of historical and fantasy elements. It wasn't a mind-blowing read, but it was entertaining and cozy. I enjoyed our two MCs. I liked how different they were, so seeing them banter and bump heads was fun. Leo was such a showman, while Sebastian was so grumpy. Watching their dynamic grow and change was so satisfying, and I'm eager to see it continue in the coming books. I'm also looking forward to seeing how their relationship grows as you get the barest of hints at it here. Aside from the characters, I thought the magic system was interesting, and I loved the quest element of breaking the curse. The pacing was occasionally too slow, but that's me being nit-picky. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait to read the next one.
Rating: 4/5
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| Pub Date: 2-4-25 YA - Fantasy |
The Rose Bargain- Sasha Peyton Smith: Ivy Benton knows that to save her family from ruin, she must make a good match. Unfortunately for Ivy, her sister's scandalous disappearance/reappearance has left the family shunned from most ballrooms. Every citizen of England is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen, and Ivy is determined to use her as a means of helping her sister. But when her debut comes around, Ivy and the rest of high society are thrown for a loop. This year, the Queen's son, Prince Bram, is looking for a bride; any girl up to the challenge may compete. With nothing left to lose, Ivy throws her hat into the ring. She and five other girls believe they're entering a romantic competition, but the Queen clearly has other plans for them. Needing all the help she can get, Ivy begins working with Bram's brother, Prince Emmett, but Emmett has ulterior motives for wanting Ivy to win. As the contest progresses, Ivy discovers that not all that glitters is gold and that every bargain comes with a price.
I can never pass up a historical fantasy, and this one was so much fun. I loved the setting and premise. I enjoyed Ivy as the main character. She was mouthy and unpolished, and I admired her willingness to do whatever it took to help her family. I liked her dynamic with Emmett straight away. They had this teasing, playful banter that I couldn't get enough of. I also liked learning more about Emmett's reasoning behind helping Ivy win the competition. There was a little bit of everything in here, from love triangles to politics to betrayals and fancy balls. (There's also an inn with only one bed, and you know that always hits.) The world-building was lush, and I'm looking forward to learning more about the Fae. If you read a lot of fantasy, especially YA, it's easy to figure out how the story will go, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one.
I can never pass up a historical fantasy, and this one was so much fun. I loved the setting and premise. I enjoyed Ivy as the main character. She was mouthy and unpolished, and I admired her willingness to do whatever it took to help her family. I liked her dynamic with Emmett straight away. They had this teasing, playful banter that I couldn't get enough of. I also liked learning more about Emmett's reasoning behind helping Ivy win the competition. There was a little bit of everything in here, from love triangles to politics to betrayals and fancy balls. (There's also an inn with only one bed, and you know that always hits.) The world-building was lush, and I'm looking forward to learning more about the Fae. If you read a lot of fantasy, especially YA, it's easy to figure out how the story will go, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one.
Rating: 4.5/5
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| Pub Date: 10-16-18 Adult - Fantasy |
The Bridge Kingdom- Danielle L. Jensen: Growing up, Lara wasn't trained as a princess usually would in embroidery or etiquette. Instead, she and her sisters were raised in exile, learning the art of poison, hand-to-hand combat, and anything else that would help them bring their enemy to its knees. Lara's homeland has always been deprived of its most basic needs by the cruel king of the Bridge Kingdom. Lara has been waiting for years to get her revenge on King Aren, and when she is sent as a bride per their two countries' peace treaty, she's ready to do her duty. But as she arrives in her new home, Lara realizes that not everything she was taught was true. As her feelings for Aren grow, Lara is torn between her loyalty to her father and the new home she's come to love.
I've only read one other book by Jensen that I DNF'ed, so I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I thought the beginning was solid. I liked learning the politics and history of this world. I thought Lara was a strong MC, and I liked her ruthlessness. I thought the tension and banter between her and Aren were pretty good. I didn't believe the chemistry, but I still liked it. I enjoyed watching Lara grow and uncover truths that were hidden from her. She became more sympathetic, and I liked watching her begin to care for the people she was sent to kill. I started becoming bored in the middle because the plot started dragging. There were a lot of action and battle scenes, but nothing about it seemed exciting. I could tell how the story would play out, so I kept waiting for it to get there. I'm slightly interested enough to pick up the second book, but I won't make it a priority.
Rating: 3/5
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