Book Reviews by Genre: Fantasy

This book was one of the best I have ever read. After four books of buildup, it is finally time for the finale. Follow Qibley one of the smartest dragons who has ever lived as he races against time trying to stop Dark Stalker. You also finally get to see who moon will choose, Winter or Qibley, for love. Finally finished the grappling pot that has been going on for four books.

Dominic Barrow has a bad reputation. At Alderland's most prestigious academy, he is known for being the rebel and player that skips classes and doesn't have a care in the world. On the other hand, Ellery Caldwell is the academy's golden girl. Coming to Alderland as a refugee, she has quickly gained the reputation of one of the brightest magicians of her class. However, as the winter cataclysm approaches, Dominic and Ellery's lives are changed forever as the most powerful Summer wand awakens - and an unprecedented Winter wand is created. As the Chosen Two, Dominic and Ellery must find a way to thwart the cataclysm together... while grappling with their feelings for one another.

"A Fate So Cold" by Amanda Foody is a YA fantasy-romance novel. I really enjoyed reading the first part of the book - the characters were engaging, Dominic and Ellery's romance plot was sweet, and I wanted to know what would happen next. However, I became increasingly disappointed as the story went on. The world Ellery and Dominic live in is really interesting, and the culture around the academy, wands, and Summer-Winter conflict are unique. However, there was little to no world-building, leaving me confused about the setting and traditions in the book, which Foody seemed to assume the reader already knew. Additionally, Ellery and Dominic's romance was incredibly undeveloped - before they got together, their trope was sweet and engaging, but as soon as they actually started dating, the relationship became toxic, repetitive, and confusing. Finally, the ending of this story was anticlimactic and unsatisfying - it didn't seem to relate to the rest of the story at all.

On the day of the fifteenth annual Hunger Games, the nation of Panem is in turmoil. In light of the second Quarter Quell, Haymitch Abernathy has been set up for failure, with double the tributes in the most brutal bloodbath of the Hunger Games. But despite the impossibility of his odds, Haymitch only has one goal: to cause the downfall of the Capital.

Oh my gosh, Haymitch’s story is so unbelievably heartbreaking, but definitely a story worth being told. Suzanne Collins continues to blow my mind with all the parallels between the original Hunger Games series and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Finally knowing Haymitch’s side of the story gives his role in The Hunger Games a whole new meaning and depth that breaks my heart even further. The only complaint I would have would be how long the first half of the book took. I know there needs to be some lead up that happens before the games, but it just felt a little too long compared to the second half. The epilogue though was one of the most compelling I think I’ve ever read, as it helps finalize his character within the entire Hunger Games franchise. I cannot wait for the movie!

What happens to the world if a deadly pandemic were to rush through the world? What happens when the world and civilization as we know it collapses? Station 11 attempts to answer that question by following the lives of many characters through the past and present. Arthur is a celebrity who can't seem to keep a marriage. Kirsten was only a child when the flu hit but now she is traveling in a traveling symphony sharing their love for the arts with the few towns that exist. The Prophet, obsessed with airplanes, wants to make the world normal again in... interesting ways.

The idea and the events behind Station 11 are amazing and the pandemic made me very interested in what this book could be. I find the characters to be interesting to learn about and see how they grow and change overtime. The themes of relationships, family, civilization, memory and reminiscing are powerful and make you think. Unfortunately I find that the plot of the book is nonexistent at times and can sometimes drag on. It also can feel very confusing at times as almost everything in the book is connected to every other thing making it hard to keep tract of the plentiful amount of characters and objects on top of the non linear format . Overall I would say that this novel is overall a good read with very captivating stories and themes but with some issues with plot.

Defy Me is the fifth book in the Shatter Me series. Defy Me is a great follow up read after the cliffhanger Restore Me ends on. Answers and action are well paced throughout the book, with no part feeling too slow or too fast. Most questions asked in Restore Me, and some that you might not realize you had, are answered through flashbacks and knowledge from older characters.

The action is fast paced and serves to help develop the characters and their relationships. Every character has a clear defined goal, and while they have different goals Tahereh Mafi is still able to make them work together without ideals clashing. I finished this book in 2 days right after finishing Restore Me. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Shatter Me series. Not only are new continents introduced, but newer characters are developed as well as the original characters that were present in the first book. Tahereh Mafi does a wonderful job of not spending too much time developing her main characters, and focusing on the new ones, while also not leaving the original characters how they were at the end of Ignite Me and further developing them as well.

This was one of my favorite books in the entire series, and I would recommend any fan of Shatter Me continues the series with this read.

Restore Me is a continuation of the Shatter Me series. It has the same characters, same setting, but the enemy is more than just Anderson, it is now the entire Reestablishment. Juliette is now the commander of Sector 45, and is working to destroy the Reestablishment from within. However, she still has much to learn about her friends, her enemies, and herself.

Restore Me is not as action packed as the previous Ignite Me because it serves as a bridge to set up a new story arc that introduces new problems, new revelations, and new characters. I had previously heard the second arc of the Shatter Me series was not worth reading because it was too confusing and it seemed like the author was only writing this plot for money. I disagree. Tahereh Mafi expands her world from Sector 45 and shows the characters grappling with the new information they are learning, especially Juliette.

This book includes nonstop reveals about popular characters, like Juliette, Warner and Kenji, that made it almost impossible to put down. Every chapter I learned something new that didn't feel forced, but rather enlightening. I didn't rate this book 5 stars, because at times the action is slow while Juliette is learning more about the world around her. I think it is well worth your time to read Restore Me if you loved the first three Shatter Me novels and want to continue your adventure with the characters and world.

“The Screwtape Letters” is a satire Christian fiction told in an epistolary format about a demon mentoring his nephew to corrupt a Christian man. I had to read this book for my honors English class, and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Not only are there a variety of Christian themes explored, Lewis writes with a sardonic humor that made the novel very immersive. I especially enjoyed Screwtape’s character, and it was fascinating to see how his characterization changed throughout the book. Despite the novel not following typical writing patterns such as prose or even the development of side characters, I found that it was a very fast and easy read that grew more interesting with the annotations I made. I would recommend this book to those with an interest in Christian philosophy, or those who may be seeking a relatively simple novel within the classic genre.

"The Lost Hero" follows Jason Grace, who wakes up on a bus with no idea who he is and how he ended up there. However, when the group is attacked, Jason soon realizes that things are not as they seem. He, along with Piper and Leo - who insist that they are Jason's friends - are taken to Camp Half-Blood, a place for demigods. The three soon find that they are part of a bigger plan orchestrated by Hera, the queen of the gods, as they embark on a quest to save her from the sinister forces that hold the goddess captive. "The Lost Hero" is the first book in the Heroes of Olympus series, which is a sequel to Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

I have been a fan of Rick Riordan's books for years, and this series is no exception! "The Lost Hero" is a great start to the Heroes of Olympus series and was able to continue Percy's story without feeling redundant or boring. The fast-paced plot not only keeps you guessing but is also easy to follow. Additionally, the characters are phenomenal, with each having their own captivating quirks and personas that bring the story to life. This is especially apparent in the chapters, which switch between Jason, Piper, and Leo's perspectives. Riordan ensures that each character's voice is distinct, and the perspective switch is never confusing. I would recommend "The Lost Hero" to anyone who is a fan YA fantasy adventure books and of the original Percy Jackson series, because you will not want to miss out on Heroes of Olympus!

I can see why this book became such a huge phenomenon in the 2000's, but it wasn’t really for me. The atmosphere is moody and memorable, which I did appreciate. However, the relationship between Bella and Edward felt unhealthy at times, and that made it hard for me to enjoy the romance. The pacing was slow in the middle, and I found myself wanting more plot progression. It’s iconic and influential, but personally, I didn’t connect with it as much as I hoped. I do think the movies are quite better!

When I first read this book, I was really intrigued by the faction system and the idea of sorting people by personality. The beginning felt strong and made me want to keep reading, especially as the main character Tris started her training. However, as the story went on, some of the characters felt underdeveloped, and the romance didn’t fully work for me. A lot of the conflict seemed to rely on predictable choices rather than surprising ones. I still think it’s entertaining and easy to read, but it didn’t leave a lasting emotional impact on me.

This book had an interesting premise, and I liked the idea of a world divided by blood color. At first, I was really invested in the protagonist Mare’s journey and her shock at discovering her powers. However, as the plot continued, it started to feel like a mix of other dystopian stories I’ve already read. Some twists were predictable, and the characters didn’t feel as complex as I wanted them to be. I enjoyed parts of it, but it didn’t stand out enough for me to rate it higher.

This book took me a little time to get into, but once it did, I was obsessed. The characters are easily the strongest part for me, each one felt distinct, flawed, and deeply layered, especially two characters named Kaz and Inej. I loved how the story trusted the reader to keep up instead of over explaining everything. The heist plot kept me on edge, and I genuinely didn’t know how things would turn out. While it can feel dense at times, the payoff is absolutely worth it, and I found myself really attached to this group by the end.

This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter, and I remember feeling tense the entire time I was reading it. Being inside Katniss’s head made everything feel urgent and real, especially the fear and pressure she feels just trying to survive. What I loved most was how the book isn’t just about the Games themselves, but about the themes of power, sacrifice, and how unfair systems hurt people who never asked to be part of them. The relationships, especially between Katniss and Peeta, felt complicated and realistic rather than overly romantic. By the end, I felt emotionally drained in the best way, and it made me think long after I closed the book!!

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is about Tally Youngblood who lives in a futuristic dystopian society where everyone is considered an “Ugly” until they get cosmetic surgery and become a “Pretty.” Tally chooses to rebel against becoming a “Pretty” when her friends Shay and David show her that being a “Pretty” isn’t all that it is made out to be.
In my opinion, this book was nice. While the story was interesting, some parts were predictable.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian stories, adventure, and coming-of-age novels.

Slaughterhouse-Five is a semi-autobiographical historical fiction novel by Kurt Vonnegut. It follows the life of Billy Pilgrim as he becomes “unstuck” in time and is forced to live his life out of order for the rest of eternity.
This is by far the strangest and most unique book I’ve ever read. Vonnegut’s use of non-linear storytelling creates a feeling that I can only describe as…meta. It not only makes sense in the context of the story but is also an interesting writing choice that reflects the author's thought process.
The characters in this book are also, for lack of better words, interesting. They all seem to be either exaggerations of real people Vonnegut met or personifications of his post-war trauma.
This book makes a lot of references to itself, and while that isn’t odd for a book to do, it’s the way that it happens that makes it odd. For example, there’s a character who appears to be a reference to Kurt Vonnegut, which is odd because that is very similar to what Billy Pilgrim is supposed to be, which is even odder because Kurt Vonnegut himself is in the book. It’s things like this that make the novel such an interesting read.
The supernatural elements of this story are another aspect that might seem weird, but are surprisingly not, and that’s because this book's biggest strength is execution. It’s weird, creepy, and disturbing, while at the same time being deadpan, mundane, and even humorous at times. Vonnegut achieves all this while not making these shifts jarring or tone deaf, which takes an incredible amount of skill.
This book is very hard to talk about without spoiling anything, so I highly suggest you give it a try! It may be challenging and hard to follow at times, but unraveling the story is one of the most rewarding aspects of this book!

The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the Trojan War through the eyes of Achilles lover, Patroclus. This book has been on my reading list for a couple of years now, but I finally decided to pick it up, and I’m glad I did!
The best part of this book has to be the writing. I’m not usually a fan of the 1st person perspective, but Miller’s writing really makes it feel as though you are seeing everything through Patroclus’s eyes. It’s almost as though you are living through him at times, and it’s because of this that every one of his emotions has such an impact on the reader. Every moment feels like it matters. From the mundane beginnings in Phthia to the more intense clashes during the Trojan War, everything in this story feels like it has meaning.
Another part of this book that I love is the writing of the characters, specifically Achilles. As previously mentioned, the story is in 1st person. We never get to see what Achilles is thinking, but that’s exactly what makes him so interesting. The only things the reader knows about Achilles are through his interactions with Patroclus and other characters in the novel, and it’s through this that Achilles true nature is revealed.
While this book is a romance, I promise you will never read another like it. I have never seen a story where the main leads have such incredible chemistry, not only as lovers, but as friends. You truly get the sense that Achilles and Patroclus care so much about each other. That they know each other better than they know themselves.
Being familiar with the Iliad isn’t necessary to enjoy this book, and even though I was, the ending still shocked me. The last 50 pages or so had me on the edge of my seat, and it wasn’t exactly what happened that surprised me, but how it happened.
This is definitely the best book I have read in years. So, if you’re looking for a book that will absolutely blow you away, this is the book for you!

"The Forbidden Book" by Sacha Lamb follows Sorel, a seventeen-year-old who escapes from her father's house the night before she is to marry the Rabbi's son. Sorel disguises herself as a man and takes on the identity of Isser Jacobs, running to the city in hopes that she can blend in and avoid detection. However, little does Sorel know that the real Isser Jacobs is a revolutionary, a criminal, and a thief. Now, she is being pursued by the real Isser's enemies. Sorel soon discovers that the real Isser is dead - and that, somehow, his soul is in her body. Teaming up with a kind stranger named Sam and the real Isser's girlfriend, Adela, Sorel sets out on a quest to find the real Isser's body and uncover the mysteries surrounding the last moments of his life.

First of all, I would like to say that I really enjoyed how the author incorporated of Jewish culture into this book, because I think that this is often underrepresented in many YA novels. Additionally, even though the idea of Sorel escaping and disguising herself as a man has already been done in many books, Lamb's new take on a case of mistaken identity was really intriguing and refreshing to read. The only complaints I have are the fact that the voice of "The Forbidden Book" was a little off - at some points it would match the time period, and at others, it would feel more modern - and that the ending felt a little bit rushed, which was disappointing because the entire story led up to that reveal. Overall, though, "The Forbidden Book" is a solid YA fantasy novel that many will enjoy, and the author did a great job weaving underrepresented groups of people and ideas into an interesting plot

Reckless by Lauren Roberts continues the female lead Paedyn’s story as the lines between survival and love become even more complicated. This book dives deeper into the consequences of the choices made in Powerless (the first book in the trilogy), with more emotional tension throughout the story. I picked this book up immediately because I was invested in the characters and wanted to see how their relationship would evolve after everything that happened. I especially loved how romance played a much bigger role, with moments of longing and vulnerability that felt intense and meaningful. The plot kept moving quickly, and I felt so invested in the narrative. The character interactions felt raw and honest and made the story feel more personal. Overall, this book felt more emotionally driven, making it one of my favorite reads in the series.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts is a fantasy novel (1st in a trilogy) set in a world where a person's power defines status, and those without abilities (magical powers) are forced to survive in secret. The story follows Paedyn, an ordinary girl who hides her lack of powers while navigating a brutal society and unexpectedly getting pulled into some very dangerous situations. I chose this book because the premise immediately caught my attention, especially the tension between the powerful and the powerless. I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers trope and the slow build of trust and chemistry between the characters, which made the story feel intense. The stakes stayed high throughout the book, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see how Paedyn would outsmart the system stacked against her. Some parts felt predictable, but the character dynamics and romance made up for it. Overall, it was an engaging and exciting read that left me curious about what comes next.

The Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber is the final book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy and follows the lead female character Evangeline as she navigates the fallout of broken promises, her lost memories within a kingdom shaped by magic and fate. I picked up this book because I was already deeply invested in Evangeline’s journey and needed to see how her story would finally unfold. Much of the plot centers on her search for truth and love as old curses and hidden motives are revealed. I enjoyed returning to this fairytale world and seeing how past choices continued to affect every character. The emotional stakes and romantic tension kept me engaged. Overall, the book delivered a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is a fantasy novel (1st book in the trilogy) about a simple girl named Evangeline who makes a dangerous deal with a demigod called the Prince of Hearts after her life does not go the way she hoped. I picked up this book because I was drawn to the fairytale feel of the cover and the promise of magic mixed with romance. The story is set in a whimsical world where nothing is as simple as it seems, and every choice has consequences. I loved the atmosphere of the book and how it felt dreamy while still holding a sense of dark danger. The characters felt layered and emotionally real, which made me want to keep reading to understand their motivations. Some parts were slower, but the tension and mystery kept me invested. Overall, this book surprised me in the best way and made me want to immediately continue the series.

The second book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart series is an easy five star read for me. I felt emotionally invested, and I loved how the story deepened while still keeping that magical, fairytale atmosphere. The characters felt even more alive and familiar, and I found myself genuinely caring about their choices and relationships. There is a lot of fluffy romance in this book, and it is incredibly cute and comforting without taking away from the plot. Like the first book, I could not stop reading because every chapter made me want to know what would happen next.

I typically love anything JLB puts out but this felt flat. The prospect was intriguing but the book dragged and was very dry. The romance felt rushed and had no chemistry. I honestly was so bored to death and had cringed so much I just did not finish the book. I would not recommend this book, but I would recommend the author!

The Hunger Games is my favorite series of all time and a story about Snow? Yes please! The whole book I found myself rooting for Snow even though I knew the evil he perpetrated and that speaks volumes to Collins writing. This extra to the series was something that was not a money grab but a book that answered many questions that I had. The continued world building and easter eggs added so much to the series and I loved it so much! This book is the perfect villian original story, showing how a character you root for can turn out absolutely evil. If I could give this a million stars I would.

From the trenches of World War I, to the ancient Chinese Empire, to an insane asylum in the 1800s, Evelyn and Arden have loved each other in every lifetime. But they have also killed each other before their 18th birthday in every single one. Now it is 2022 in Wales, England, and Evelyn is desperate to survive long enough to undergo the bone marrow transplant that could save her sick little sister's life. So, when Arden finally reveals himself, Evelyn knows that she must do everything in her power to break the curse and survive until the day of the procedure. Told in chapters that alternate between Evelyn and Arden's current life and past experiences together, this YA romantasy book will keep you guessing as Evelyn and Arden's 18th birthday approaches...

I was really excited to read "Our Infinite Fates". The reincarnation plot seemed really unique, and I liked that the chapters switched between Evelyn and Arden's present and past lives. In fact, the first third of this book was really amazing - I was absolutely hooked and wanted to know what would happen next! However, the middle and ending of "Our Infinite Fates" really started to bother me. Not only did the plot become redundant and seemed to drag, but the character motivations and actions became unclear, annoying, and repetitive. Additionally, the huge "plot twist" at the end of the book was unexciting and confusing. "Our Infinite Fates" is mostly realistic fiction centered around historical eras - whereas plot twist seemed to be fully fantasy and did not match the tone of the entire rest of the story. Overall, the final reveal and battle just seemed rushed (especially compared to the middle of the book, which was very slow paced) and were merely disappointing. This was a great idea, but the execution and ending ruined it for me.

As book one in the six-book series, it will also read well as a standalone. I like how the world is explained throughout the book - rather than dumping me with all worldbuilding in the beginning, or especially all at once. By the end of the book, new things are still being learned about Tess (the protagonist's sidekick). But is Day really the protagonist, or is it June? Although the story is admittedly more focused on Day, June's impact on Day's life is by far the more entertaining part of the book. Every chapter alternates perspectives, like a good Red Pyramid or The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel -- appropriate, political (if you will), and disappointing when really invested in what's about to happen next.

The Republic is one of two factions the U.S. splits into after collapse -- home to elite military families like the one June comes from, but also home to beggars, drunks, homeless, and the poor like Day. June is at some point convinced that Day murdered her brother (a spoiler from page 1) and vows to hunt him down both for revenge and to prove herself to the Republic. But as she gets close with Day, she uncovers truths about the Republic causing her to question her involvement.

Happy Ending

A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass is a story told in alternating first-person point-of-view chapters.

Princess Annika Vedette of Kadier is expected to marry her cousin for political reasons, even though it isn’t what she wants and her father has gone cold since her mother’s disappearance. Though she lives a life of luxury, she doesn’t have much freedom.

Far away, Lennox lives as a mercenary from Dahrain. His people were exiled many generations ago and he believes the throne taken from them rightfully belongs to the Dahrainians.

Their worlds collide when Lennox kidnaps Annika for a mission. As they are frequently thrown into dangerous situations together, they learn more about each other and the truth about things such as Annika’s mother's disappearance and the history of Kadier and Dahrain.

Despite the odds and the war looming, Annika and Lennox fall in love in a story where love and loyalty clash with duty and expectations. Both struggle with what they’ve been taught and what they feel, forcing them to make hard choices for their worlds and hearts.

In my opinion, the book was entertaining to read. In the beginning, the slow pacing and lack of proper world-building made it confusing. But later into the book, more things were cleared up and I was able to understand the world better. Overall, it was an enemies-to-lovers fantasy book with plenty of twists and political intrigue.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes enemies-to-lovers romance, stories with strong and complex characters, or royal or kingdom dramas.

This book was extremely interesting to read and it’s impressive that Sarah Maas was able to write this as her first book. In this story, 18 year old assassin Celaena Sardothien was freed from the labor camp she’d been working at for a year by Crown Prince Dorian to participate in a competition with other criminals to see who will become the king’s secret assassin. However, there are dark things happening underneath and Celaena has to protect herself from the dangerous and magical things around her. The magic system of Wyrdmarks is very interesting and the character interactions are complex. It is a book that is hard to put down.

Brielle Petitfour, a Haitian zonbi, is tired of watching her mother struggle with debilitating chronic pain while the rich elites around her continue to exploit people to make themselves richer. So, when the wealthy patriarch of the Banks corporation dies and her mother loses her job, it is Brielle's last straw. Using her internship at the Banks Incorporation, her extensive cooking skills, and zonbi powers, she gains access to these rich elites and exacts her revenge. Within each delicious dish she serves them, she adds human flesh, slowly gaining control of them...

I was really excited to read this book, because the idea Haitian zonbis in a modern lens is something that really interests me, along with learning more about Haitian-American culture. Additionally, after reading the synopsis of this book, I wanted to know more about how Brielle would add human flesh into her dishes - and wanted to understand her motivations for doing so. However, I was sorely disappointed after reading "The Summer I Ate The Rich." Not only is Brielle's character - along with all others in the story - flat and unrealistic, but the plot and motivations were just confusing. Instead of leaning into the interesting and original idea of Brielle serving rich people human flesh, or even eating the rich herself, the authors skirted around this detail, avoiding and barely mentioning this major plot point. Instead, they leaned into a YA love story instead, which was confusing and frustrating. Overall, the execution of this book was just terrible, the social commentary unfortunately fell flat, and I think the authors tried to incorporate too many clashing ideas into one story. Despite its intriguing title and synopsis, I would not recommend this book to anyone.

This wonderful sequel to "Powerless" follows three different point of views, Paedyn Gray, Kai Azer, and Kitt Azer. First, the book shows Paedyn as she escapes from Illya after murdering the king and being discovered as an ordinary. Second, it shows Kai while he tracks Paedyn down while also questioning how he could ever feel anything for an *ordinary.* Last it shows Kitt as he tries to figure out how to deal with Paedyn after she killed his father. Paedyn and Kai struggle to get through the differences they now have and deal with the feelings of affection they still have for each other. "Reckless" brings feelings of regret, anger, and confusion as all three of these characters handle their complicated thoughts and emotions.