Fantasy

Witch Of Wild Things | Book Review

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About The Book
Sage Flores returns to her hometown eight years after her sister’s death, resuming her job at Cranberry Rose Company. She’s forced to work with Tennessee Reyes, her high school crush who she never fully got over. While juggling a ghostly sister, a stormy sibling, and an old flame, Sage navigates the tangled roots of her past and the new growth of her heart.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3BBsStZ

My Rating

This book is perfect for bridging the gap between summer and fall, with a mix of witchcraft and a touch of magic. Think Practical Magic meets Encanto and I loved every minute of it. The plot, characters, and unique twist on a second-chance romance make it a really engaging read. The romance involves secret high school pen pals—or AIM friends—which adds a fun twist to the typical second-chance story.

Sage Flores, the main character, is incredibly well-developed. She’s dealing with guilt over her younger sister Skye’s death, a tough relationship with her other sister Teal, and still holding on to her anger that when they were growing up, she had to act like a mother figure to her siblings and wasn’t able to be a kid herself. Despite these challenges, Sage’s protective nature and her journey to stand up for herself make her a character you’ll root for.

Even though second-chance romances usually aren’t my thing, this one stood out because it’s different from the usual plot. The reasons for the original conflict make sense, especially considering the characters were teenagers. Tennessee, the love interest, is fantastic and definitely falls first. There is something about the guy falling first in a romance that I just love.

“They needed to break. So now the roots and leave can come out and everything can bloom again.”

The side characters, especially Sage’s sisters Teal and Skye, add a lot to the story. Teal might come off as a bit harsh at first, but there’s more to her character than meets the eye. I also enjoyed Skye’s fun and adventurous personality. The magic tied to the Flores family is really interesting and make the plot even more compelling. I’m a sucker for a good witchy story, and this one didn’t disappoint.

The writing is great, balancing fast-paced action with slower, more thoughtful moments. Even when the plot slows down, I stayed hooked on the characters and their journey. The ending is satisfying and leaves room for more stories with these characters.

Overall, I wouldn’t call this a romcom but more of a magical realism or paranormal romance. If you’re interested in or new to romantasy, this is a good place to start. It’s a lighter take on the genre, with less world-building but a similar feel, making it an enjoyable read.

If you enjoyed this review or have read the book yourself, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please like, comment, and share this post. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more reviews and bookish content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

A Magic Steeped in Poison | Book Review

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About The Book
Desperate to save her sister from a deadly poison, Ning enters a competition to become the kingdom’s top shennong-shi, a master of magical tea-making. The winner gets a favor from the princess, which may be her only chance. But as Ning navigates ruthless competitors, deadly politics, and a mysterious boy with a dangerous secret, she may be the one in the most danger.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3N25DM0

My Rating

In my opinion, this book is a hidden gem in the fantasy world, and I’m excited to see how the duology wraps up. What grabbed me right away was the unique and captivating plot. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before and follows a determined main character on a high-stakes mission to cure her sister from a mysterious poison. The urgency of the quest and all the twists and turns kept me hooked from beginning to end.

As for our main character, Ning, she was likable, though I’ve seen stronger female leads in other books. I felt there wasn’t a ton of character growth throughout the story. That said, her devotion to her sister and willingness to do whatever it takes for her family made her easy to root for.

The writing was excellent. Judy I. Lin’s style is vivid and really pulls you in. While I’m not usually a fan of a lot of world-building, I get that it’s needed for the first book in a fantasy series. The author handled it well, giving a solid base for what’s to come in the next book.

“There is a difference between living the suffering and reading about it.”

Now, let’s talk about the romance subplot. I was really glad it didn’t take over the story but still played an important role. We didn’t get to know the love interest very deeply, but I’m happy it wasn’t one of those insta-love situations. Ning felt a connection to him, but her priority stayed on saving her sister.

The plot twists definitely caught me off guard, and the last few chapters were super fast-paced and full of action. The ending left me completely shocked, and now I have to know what happens next. I have no idea where the story is going from here, but I can’t wait to find out.

Overall, I think this book deserves more attention. It’s got so many things I love in a fantasy series, including a unique plot, likable characters, a well-balanced romance, and an ending that sticks with you. I’d totally recommend it to anyone looking for an underrated fantasy read.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read this book. Don’t forget to like and share this post with fellow book lovers. And if you want to get notified when there’s a new post, follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Tea Dragon Society | Book Review

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About The Book
The Tea Dragon Society trilogy is a heartwarming, magical, and inclusive story by the award-winning author of ‘Princess Princess Ever After’. It follows Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, who discovers a lost tea dragon and is introduced to the enchanting world of tea dragons. She learns the delicate, fading art of tea dragon care from kind tea shop owners Hesekiel and Erik. As Greta grows closer to them and their shy ward, Minette, she sees how the craft of caring for tea dragons brings warmth and meaning to their lives—and her own. This beloved, all-ages trilogy is full of charm and wonder.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4db5b91

My Rating

This graphic novel series charmed me right from the start with its unique concept. The world of tea dragons—small creatures that grow tea leaves from their horns—is both imaginative and heartwarming.

The books are quick and easy to read, making them perfect for a cozy escape. Each volume introduces new characters while keeping the main storyline connected, creating a sense of depth. The final book ties everything together nicely, providing a satisfying conclusion, though I was sad to see the series end.

While the stories may not be the most thrilling or complex, they are undeniably charming and heartwarming. The artwork is stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed illustrations that match the gentle narrative perfectly.

“People seem to live at a different pace now. Tea Dragon tea is a wonderful thing, but it takes a long time to make. Back when everything took a long time, perhaps that didn’t matter.”

Overall, I recommend this series to readers of all ages. It’s a comforting, joyful read that brings happiness with every page. While these books may not stay with me forever, they’re my go-to for cozy, feel-good reading that I will surely be rereading for years to come.

Please let me know in the comments if you’ve read this graphic novel series or heard of it. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. Before you leave, hit the follow button to turn on post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Currently Reading | Update & Thoughts (September 9, 2024)

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Hi Friends,
Today, I thought I’d give a quick reading update and chat about the books I’m currently diving into. I used to be so good at sticking to just one book at a time, but now I can’t help but read multiple books at once. I think it’s because I’m such a mood reader—I always need a book from a different genre on hand so I can pick up whatever fits my mood in the moment.

A Touch Of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
I’m about 50% into this one, and I’m absolutely loving it. It took me a bit to get into, but once it hooked me, I couldn’t put it down! Honestly, right now it’s giving me 5-star feels, and I can’t wait to see how it ends.

We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
I’m also 50% into this one, but I’ve got mixed feelings. I know this is a super popular thriller that a lot of people are raving about—it’s fast-paced with an interesting premise—but I’m just not that invested in the plot. The writing style isn’t my favorite, and it hasn’t captivated me yet. I’m hoping by the end I’ll understand all the hype!

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
I’m slowly making my way through this book and I’m only 35% in, but I’m really enjoying it so far. I can definitely see why it’s gotten so much attention. It’s giving me ‘Divergent’ and old-school YA fantasy vibes, and I’m living for the enemies-to-lovers romance. I can’t wait for the plot to pick up even more!
Related Post: Divergent｜Book Review

Let me know in the comments what you’re reading, or if you’ve read any of these books—feel free to share your spoiler-free thoughts! And don’t forget to follow the blog for more updates!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

By The Cover | September 2024

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Hi Friends,
This is my September “Judging Books by Their Cover” post. Let me just say, the book covers coming out in September are ones I really like, so I don’t have many critiques for the covers I picked to showcase in this post. As always, please remember these are just my thoughts, and I am not trying to send any hate towards the cover designers or the authors.

Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom (September 3rd)
This is that classic witchy, cozy romcom book cover. I’m not sure it’s something I’d be instantly drawn to at a bookstore, but I can tell exactly what type of book it is just by looking at it. I really like the cat, the cauldron, and how the text is done.

When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao (September 3rd)
Honestly, I wasn’t a big fan of Dustin Thao’s book ‘You’ve Reached Sam,’ but it does have one of my favorite book covers. And I’ve got to say, the cover for this one is just as impressive. I really can’t find anything to criticize about the design, and I think he’ll always have some of the best book covers out there.

Nightmare Of A Trip by Maureen Kilmer (September 10th)
This cover is so much fun. It gives me a classic spooky movie vibe. I really like the design—it reminds me of those old movie posters or VHS covers from back in the day. I’m not completely sold on the color choices; they seem a little muted, but the details are awesome. From the woman’s expression to the person in the house’s window, everything catches your eye. If I saw this book while shopping, I’d definitely grab it.

So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
(September 10th)
Do I think this cover is the most eye-catching or original thing ever? Not really. Would it be a cover buy for me? Absolutely. I’m not a huge fan of the font, and the cup design isn’t my favorite, but it does evoke Gothic horror and vampires. I think that fits the book’s description, so the cover works for the story. Plus, I love the little inclusion of the bat and moon.

Can’t Help Falling In Love by Sophie Sullivan
(September 17th)
I like this cover, but it feels a bit like a standard fall romance. The way the guy and girl are placed looks odd. The girl seems more natural, while the guy’s pose is awkward—he’s leaning back and his raised hand looks strange. However, I do love the colors and the leaves; it definitely captures the essence of autumn romance.

A Fire In The Sky by Sophie Jordan
(September 26th)
I think this is a stunning fantasy cover. The dragon is great, and I like how the text is layered over it. The small flame detail around the cover is a nice touch—it adds some fire without being too obvious, like a dragon in flames. This cover really gives off a high fantasy vibe with dragons, and I think many people would see it and be instantly interested in the book.

So, those are my thoughts on the book covers for some September releases. Let me know in the comments what you think of these covers and if any of these books are on your TBR for the fall. Your support means a lot to me, so if you could hit the follow button before you go, it really helps my blog grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Back To School | Book Recommendations

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Hi Friends,
I can’t believe it’s already back-to-school season! The months have flown by so quickly, but I’m excited for fall. I know some of you might not be thrilled about school starting again, so I thought I’d share some book recommendations to help you get into the back-to-school spirit.

Matilda by Roald Dahl
This middle-grade novel is a quick read about a young girl with a tough home life. Matilda loves to read and is excited about going to school for the first time. I enjoyed both the book and its movie adaptation.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
This book is packed with drama, friendships, and a murder mystery. It starts right at the beginning of a new school year, and it’s a fast-paced read that keeps you hooked.
Related Post: One Of Us Is Lying | Book Review

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
This YA mystery kicks off a series about a teenage girl who loves true crime and attends a boarding school where a murder takes place. I didn’t love it, but if you enjoy boarding school settings, it’s worth a read, especially in the fall.

The Ivies by Alexa Donne
Another YA mystery thriller, this book is set in a boarding school and revolves around students aiming for Ivy League colleges, with a murder thrown into the mix. It wasn’t my favorite, but it fits the back-to-school theme.
Related Post: The Ivies | Book Review

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This contemporary YA novel is great for starting the school year, especially if you’re figuring things out about yourself. The main character has a supportive family and friends but still struggles with his identity. The book has a fantastic ending and a movie adaptation worth watching.

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s a dark academia novel involving a secret society and magic. It sounds like a good pick if you’re into fantasy elements.

There you go—some book recommendations for back-to-school reading. If you have an Everand subscription, some of these books are available there. If you want to try out the service, you can use my link (click here) for a free trial. Check out my Amazon Storefront page for all the titles mentioned here. Don’t forget to click follow so you never miss a post!

By The Cover | August 2024

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
It’s time for another “Judging Books by Their Cover” post! There are so many great books coming out this month, and a lot of them are ones I want to read. Just a heads-up: these are just my opinions, and I’m not trying to bash the authors or cover designers. We all have different tastes when it comes to books and their covers.

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston (August 6th)
I really like the color scheme of this cover and the overall concept. But, it feels a bit unfinished and odd that the faces don’t have any details like lips, noses, or eyes. The two characters’ faces sort of blend together. On the bright side, the detailing on the edges of the book, from what I’ve seen, is stunning.

Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid (August 6th)
I’m torn on this cover because I both like it and don’t like it. It’s pretty simple, which works, but I think it could use a bit more expression on the girl’s face—maybe some haunted eyes would’ve added more impact. There’s another cover for this book that I prefer a lot more.

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher (August 6th)
I like this cover overall, but there are a few things that bug me. The black circle behind the text and the purple font don’t really match the rest of the colors. I like the trees and stars, but I wish the cover gave off more of a “sorceress” vibe since it’s a fantasy book.

The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean (August 13th)
I absolutely love this cover and would buy this book just based on it. The color scheme is great, and the way the phoenixes look like they’re woven into the trees is really cool. The feathers floating around are a nice touch too. This one really stands out to me.

Oath of Fire by K. Arsenault Rivera (August 13th)
I’m a bit mixed on this cover. I love the fiery mask and the textured background, and the ornate framing on the cover is beautiful. But, the title and author name don’t really stand out. If I saw this book in a store, I’d think the cover was pretty, but I might not remember the name of the book.

Wisteria by Adalyn Grace (August 20th)
I’m a huge fan of this series, so I might be biased, but I love this cover. It’s stunning, and I really like how all the covers in this series match so well. Everything from the title style to the girl and the Wisteria flowers around her looks amazing.

So, those are my thoughts on some of the August book covers. Let me know in the comments what you think about these covers and if any of these books are on your TBR. Don’t forget to follow the blog so you never miss a bookish post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Daughter Of The Siren Queen | Book Review

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About The Book
Alosa has recovered all three pieces of a legendary treasure map and holds the pirates who captured her as prisoners. First mate Riden, still attractive and loyal, is now under her orders. Vordan, the villain, will soon face her father’s justice. However, Vordan reveals a secret about her father, leading Alosa and her crew into a deadly race against the Pirate King. Confident in her abilities, Alosa is determined to recover the treasure first as the daughter of the Siren Queen.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4dxfMM1

My Rating

I am confused about my feelings regarding this book. I enjoyed the writing and the story as a whole, but I didn’t love the main protagonist, Alosa, as much as I did in the first book. I had such high hopes for this book, as I liked the first one a lot. However, there was something about the way Alosa was portrayed in this book that didn’t work for me.

Alosa felt more heartless somehow, but I do feel like she was probably as fierce in the first book, and it just didn’t bother me as much. She came across as morally grey, and a bit of a hypocrite. She would call others out for being cruel and having agendas, but I can’t help but feel she’s the pot calling the kettle black. She felt so enraged, but I do understand that her upbringing and backstory have a lot to do with her personality and actions.

Besides her character flaws, the romance wasn’t as compelling this time around. I wanted to feel the same connection between Alosa and her love interest, Riden, that I did in the first book. Sadly, it wasn’t there. Still, this could just be due to my distaste for Alosa, and not a fault of the story, because I did really like Riden as a love interest.

“I braved the ocean for you. Will you brave land for your queen?”

Despite my issues with Alosa’s character, I did find the plot fairly interesting, and Tricia Levenseller’s books are very easy to get through. They aren’t too complex, and are very fast-paced. I find that she has a wonderful storytelling ability that helps immerse you in the story and characters. But I did find that once I put the book down, I would forget where I was in the story, so it isn’t a book that left a lasting impression on me.

Overall, the ending was nicely done, and I did come to tolerate Alosa’s character. There were some sad moments, but I don’t feel like I connected enough with all the characters to actually care for them. Still, it was a good conclusion, and it read like the final book in a duology. I believe that is what the author had originally intended before turning this into a trilogy.

In the comments, let me know if you enjoy pirate or siren stories. The audiobook can be read on Everand. If you are interested in the service, use my link (click here) to get a free trial. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other book lovers. If you enjoy book reviews, give my blog a follow before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Are You Listening? // Audiobook Recommendations

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hello Friends,
Today, I’m excited to talk about audiobooks, one of my favorite ways to read. If you’ve been following my blog, you know how much I love them. So, I wanted to share five exceptional audiobooks with you. The best part? You can find all of them on Everand.

This gripping mystery novel features a full cast of narrators, offering an immersive experience. The story follows a team of experts who come together to solve a cold case while filming a true crime documentary. With sound clips and interviews included, it truly grabs your attention.
Related Post: Murder In The Family // Book Review

A short but captivating audiobook, perfect for fans of the movie. It’s both eerie and entertaining, a bit creepier than the film, with some intriguing differences.
Related Post: Coraline // Book Review

This heartbreaking tale explores themes of grief with an original take on loss. The audiobook format adds a unique dimension by incorporating text message elements, making the story feel more real.
Related Post: Message Not Found // Book Review

Although this book wasn’t my favorite, the audiobook was outstanding. The skilled narrators brought the story to life, keeping me more engaged and immersed in the plot. Without the audiobook, I might not have finished the book at all.
Related Post: All Of Us Villains // Book Review

The first book in this YA fantasy series is long but captivating. The audiobook enhances the experience, especially with its detailed world-building and Arthurian elements. Listening to it helped me understand the story better.
Related Post: Legendborn // Book Review

Here are some of my favorite audiobooks. I’d love to hear about yours in the comments below! You can find these titles on Everand. If you’re not already a subscriber, you can sign up for a free trial using my link (click here). It’s my favorite platform for enjoying audiobooks. Before you go, please hit the follow button to show your support.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Powerless | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
In the kingdom of Ilya, only empowered Elites are allowed to stay, while the powerless Ordinaries face exile. Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary posing as a Psychic, is thrust into the deadly Purging Trials after saving the prince. To survive, she must conceal her lack of powers while navigating the Trials and her growing feelings for the prince.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/459LXhv

My Rating

This book starts off a fantasy series on a solid note with its strong plot, but it may not captivate every reader. I appreciate Roberts’ efforts in crafting the world and characters, which is typical for a fantasy series debut. However, I personally felt that the pacing fell short, and I found myself craving a faster-paced story with more excitement and action.

One of the book’s strong points is its magic system, which gives off a YA fantasy vibe reminiscent of popular series like “Divergent” or “The Hunger Games.” The main character, Paedyn, stands out as a powerful female lead, confidently strong-willed thanks to her background of survival. And then there’s Kai, the male lead, who strikes a likable balance between toughness and kindness, making for some really engaging interactions between them.

The story mainly revolves around Paedyn and Kai, so the side characters don’t really play a significant role in the plot. However, I found Kitt, Kai’s brother and the future king, to be intriguing. Even though he’s not a major character, I enjoyed the moments between him and Kai, as well as the scene with Paedyn and him. I’m looking forward to learning more about him as the series progresses.

As for Paedyn and Kai’s romance, it follows the classic rivals-to-lovers theme, and I thought it was executed quite well. Nevertheless, I can understand if some readers find it a bit slow-paced, especially if they prefer their romantic plots to move along more quickly. As someone who openly dislikes slow-burn romance, this one really got on my nerves. However, I have to give credit where it’s due—the banter between Kai and Paedyn was spot on. Still, it didn’t quite make up for the overly drawn-out slow burn.

“If I am to be her enemy, I want it to be because she loathes herself for wanting me.”

For me, the plot falls short of delivering any groundbreaking revelations, which left me feeling disconnected from the story’s twists and turns. While I wasn’t deeply attached to the characters, the ending did stir up a mix of emotions, making me curious about where the series is headed next.

The author’s writing style heavily leans into the YA genre, which isn’t something I love, as I’ve been gravitating towards more adult fantasies these days. Additionally, the book’s length feels excessive, lacking consistent engagement throughout its 400 pages. I feel that if it had been a bit shorter, I might have enjoyed the story more.

Overall, the book didn’t hold my attention from start to finish, which is something I always hope for, especially in a fantasy series. However, its solid foundation and intriguing characters still give me enough reason to keep going with the series. I’m curious to see where the characters will go from here and how the story will unfold.

Share your thoughts on this book in the comments below! Don’t forget to hit the follow button so you never miss a post. Also, you can listen to the audiobook of ‘Powerless’ on Everand and get a free trial of the subscription service by using my link (click here).

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny