The Gist: Romantasy, backlist reads, and comfort picks—here’s what’s on my February TBR, from epic rivalries to swoon-worthy love stories!
(more…)My February TBR: A Month of Romance and Legends
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The End of Year Book Tag: 2024
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The Gist: Explore my End of Year Book Tag, diving into unread gems on my shelves, and my 2024 TBR priorities!
(more…)Book Review: The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne
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The Gist: The Hunger of the Gods deftly blends epic battles and rich character development, redefining fantasy tropes while exploring themes of loyalty and revenge.
Series: Bloodsworn Saga, #2
Release Date: April 12, 2022
Synopsis
THE DEAD GODS ARE RISING.
Lik-Rifa, the dragon god of legend, has been freed from her eternal prison. Now she plots a new age of blood and conquest.
As Orka continues the hunt for her missing son, the Bloodsworn sweep south in a desperate race to save one of their own–and Varg takes the first steps on the path of vengeance.
Elvar has sworn to fulfil her blood oath and rescue a prisoner from the clutches of Lik-Rifa and her dragonborn followers, but first she must persuade the Battle-Grim to follow her. Yet even the might of the Bloodsworn and Battle-Grim cannot stand alone against a dragon god.
Their only hope lies within the mad writings of a chained god. A book of forbidden magic with the power to raise the wolf god Ulfrir from the dead…and bring about a battle that will shake the foundations of the earth.
Ending
Cliffhanger
Representation
• wlw side character
• POC side characters
• POC side characters
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Knife, sword and axe violence
• Gore
• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Enslavement
• Discussion of genocide
• Mutilation of a side character in the last book discussed
• Sexism
• Abduction of children
• Child abuse
• Torture
• Gore
• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Enslavement
• Discussion of genocide
• Mutilation of a side character in the last book discussed
• Sexism
• Abduction of children
• Child abuse
• Torture
Mature Themes
• Sex alluded to and discussed (not graphic)
• Swearing
• Alcohol consumption
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Swearing
• Alcohol consumption
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5-stars
(more…)The Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag: 2023
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Quick Take: My Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag explores twelve books, including my favourite 2023 read so far, a book that made me cry, and anticipated new releases. I also have a TBR list to read before 2024!
(more…)King Arthur and Her Knights, A Series by K.M. Shea
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The Gist: The series King Arthur and Her Knights is an entertaining and light-hearted gender-bent King Arthur retelling that follows Brit as she’s pulled back in time to unite Britain by assuming the position of King Arthur.
(more…)Review: Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
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The Gist: A lush and romantic young adult fantasy about how far a daughter will go to save her mom.
Series: The Celestial Kingdom, #1
Release Date: January 11, 2022
Synopsis
Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.
Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor’s son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.
To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.
Ending
HFN regarding the plot but the love triangle is not resolved.
Representation
• Chinese-coded main character
• Chinese-coded supporting characters
• Chinese-coded side characters
• Chinese-coded supporting characters
• Chinese-coded side characters
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Death
• Knife violence
• Arrow violence
• Attempted murder
• Non-consensual mind manipulation/compulsion
• Abduction
• Imprisonment
• Knife violence
• Arrow violence
• Attempted murder
• Non-consensual mind manipulation/compulsion
• Abduction
• Imprisonment
Mature Themes
• Sexual content doesn’t surpass kissing
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5-stars
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