Nghi Vo, author of the acclaimed novellas The Empress of Salt and Fortune and When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain, returns with The City in Glass,  a standalone story about a demon, an angel, and a fallen city. Together, throughout the decades they will try to unearth the past of the city of Azril and begin to shape its future. The novel explores themes such as grief, love, and the passage of time through the lens of immortal beings thus making it thought-provoking and poignant.

The author’s prose is undeniably beautiful, with lyrical and captivating descriptions that paint a vivid picture of the fantastical city of Azril. Vo’s ability to weave intricate metaphors and symbolism throughout the narrative creates a dreamlike atmosphere that permeates the entire story. On another note, the central characters, a demon named Vitrine and an unnamed angel, present an intriguing dynamic. Their relationship, evolving from enemies to sort-of lovers, is an extreme slow burn that adds depth to the narrative.

However, the novel’s strength in prose and atmosphere are somewhat offset by its weaknesses in plot and character development. The story follows a non-linear timeline and focuses more on “vibes” rather than a traditional narrative structure. While this approach works for some readers, others may find it challenging to engage with the story fully. The lack of substantial world-building outside of Azril and the limited character development, may also leave some readers wanting for more. At around 200 pages, the book is relatively short, but its pacing can feel slow at times, especially for those who prefer more plot-driven narratives, and thus making it seem longer than it is.

All in all, The City in Glass, is a beautifully written, atmospheric novel that will appear to readers who appreciate lyrical prose and don’t mind a less conventional narrative structure. However, those who seek a more traditional fantasy story with extensive world-building and character development might find it lacking. It’s a book that demands patience and willingness to immerse oneself in its unique style and pacing.

The City in Glass is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of October 1st, 2024.

Will you be picking up The City in Glass? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

In this new standalone, Hugo Award-winning author Nghi Vo introduces a beguiling fantasy city in the tradition of Calvino, Mieville, and Le Guin.

A demon. An angel. A city that burns at the heart of the world.

The demon Vitrine—immortal, powerful, and capricious—loves the dazzling city of Azril. She has mothered, married, and maddened the city and its people for generations, and built it into a place of joy and desire, revelry and riot.

And then the angels come, and the city falls.

Vitrine is left with nothing but memories and a book containing the names of those she has lost—and an angel, now bound by her mad, grief-stricken curse to haunt the city he burned.

She mourns her dead and rages against the angel she longs to destroy. Made to be each other’s devastation, angel and demon are destined for eternal battle. Instead, they find themselves locked in a devouring fascination that will change them both forever.

Together, they unearth the past of the lost city and begin to shape its future. But when war threatens Azril and everything they have built, Vitrine and her angel must decide whether they will let the city fall again.

The City in Glass is both a brilliantly constructed history and an epic love story, of death and resurrection, memory and transformation, redemption and desire strong enough to burn a world to ashes and build it anew.

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M.L. Rio, author of the bestselling If We Were Villains, returns with Graveyard Shift,  a novella that promises an atmospheric and eerie experience as it follows five night-shift workers who meet regularly in a college’s ancient cemetery, only to discover a mysterious freshly dug grave one October evening which may be connected to the strange cases of people going berserk in town. However, the book fell slightly short of its potential.

The premise is intriguing—five insomniacs from different walks of life coming together to solve a mystery over the course of a single night. But, the execution leaves something to be desired. The plot and characters lack some depth, resulting in a story that feels somewhat superficial. Readers may find themselves wishing for more substantial character development and a more intricate plot to match the atmospheric setup.

Rio’s strength lies in her ability to craft an unsettling atmosphere, particularly in the opening scenes set in the graveyard. Her prose excels at creating a sense of creepiness and unease that perfectly sets the stage for what could have been a more chilling tale.

One of the main drawbacks is the brevity of the story. At roughly 130 pages, it seems that Graveyard Shift would have benefited from being longer and more fleshed out. The narrative builds anticipation for horrifying events that never quite materialize, which may disappoint readers expecting a more traditional horror experience.

Despite these shortcomings, Graveyard Shift does succeed in creating a modern Gothic ambiance. Rio’s writing style, familiar to fans of If We Were Villains, shines through in the academic setting and ensemble cast. The book serves as an ideal read for those looking to dip their toes into the spooky season, offering just enough of an eerie atmosphere to set the mood without delving into full-fledged horror.

In conclusion, while Graveyard Shift may not fully live up to the high expectations set by Rio’s previous work, it still offers an enjoyable, quick read for those seeking a taste of autumnal atmosphere. It’s best approached as a mood piece rather than a deeply plotted mystery or horror novel. Fans of Rio’s writing style and those who appreciate atmospheric prose will find elements to enjoy, even if the overall experience leaves them wanting more.

Graveyard Shift is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 24th, 2024.

Will you be picking up Graveyard Shift? Have you read it already? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Author of sales sensation If We Were Villains returns with a story about a ragtag group of night shift workers who meet in the local cemetery to unearth the secrets lurking in an open grave.

Every night, in the college’s ancient cemetery, five people cross paths as they work the late shift: a bartender, a rideshare driver, a hotel receptionist, the steward of the derelict church that looms over them, and the editor-in-chief of the college paper, always in search of a story.

One dark October evening in the defunct churchyard, they find a hole that wasn’t there before. A fresh, open grave where no grave should be. But who dug it, and for whom?

Before they go their separate ways, the gravedigger returns. As they trail him through the night, they realize he may be the key to a string of strange happenings around town that have made headlines for the last few weeks—and that they may be closer to the mystery than they thought.

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Kaylie Smith’s new novel Phantasma is a captivating dark fantasy romance that blends elements of psychological thriller and gothic horror. Set in a haunted mansion, the story follows Ophelia, a young woman who must enter a deadly competition to save her sister’s life. In this novel, the author crafts a richly atmospheric world, filled with twisting corridors, demonic entities, and fatal temptations.

When Ophelia and her sister Genevieve discover the body of their mother brutally murdered in the inside of their home, the girls have no time to mourn—as Ophelia inherits both her mum’s enormous debt that put their home at risk and her dead-driven magic that turns her into a necromancer. After Genevieve suddenly disappears, there is only one way for Ophelia to save her. She must enter Phantasma, a deadly competition inside a haunted mansion where most don’t make it out alive and the winner is granted a single wish.

The mansion is a maze of twisting corridors where demons, temptations, and monsters torment the contestants. Ophelia must face nine challenges, one per night, each more challenging than the last, if she wants to win the competition and be reunited with her sister. When her fears are about to overtake her, an attractive, charming, and arrogant stranger appears in front of her to offer her a bargain. Blackwell, claims he can guide her through all the lethal levels in exchange of a decade of her life. Appearances may be deceiving but with her sister’s life on the line, Ophelia can’t afford to turn him away. Not only that but she also feels a dark and pulling attraction to him which will be risky for her life as well, since inside Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is falling love.

Smith’s portrayal of the protagonist, Ophelia, is nuanced and compelling. While not immediately likable, Ophelia’s character development throughout the story draws readers in, making her journey both relatable and engaging. The tense but loving dynamic between Ophelia and her sister adds depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of family bonds and sacrifice. On another hand, the romance aspect of the novel is steamy and intense, centered on the complex relationship between Ophelia and Blackwell. Their interactions are charged with tension, exploring themes of trust, attraction, and potential betrayal.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its world-building. The author’s decision to include a map classifying the various demons and ghosts enhances the reader’s immersion in this supernatural realm. The structure of the competition, with its nine challenges reminiscent of Dante’s circles of hell, adds an intriguing layer to the plot. Each of the nine levels will keep the readers engaged at all times and make them hungry for more.

It must be said that Smith really doesn’t shy away from dark themes, including death, gore, and mental illness. Notably, the portrayal of OCD as a “shadow voice” is well-executed and contributes to the overall ambiance of the story. The author’s note explaining this choice also adds valuable context for readers. While the book deals with heavy subjects, Smith balances these elements with moments of banter and mischievous interactions between the mortals and the supernatural beings, providing necessary moments of levity amidst the tension. It’s important to note that this mature content includes explicit sexual content, violence, and detailed descriptions of death and injury so potential readers should be aware of these elements before diving in (a complete list can be seen on the author’s website).

Overall, Phantasma is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy romance and psychological thrillers. With its blend of suspense, romance, and supernatural elements, Smith has created a gripping tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Phantasma is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 3rd,  2024.

Will you be picking up Phantasma? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Caraval meets Throne of the Fallen in this spicy dark romantasy where a necromancer needs help from a dangerous phantom to win a deadly competition, only to find their partnership puts her at risk of breaking the game’s most vital rule: don’t fall in love.

When Ophelia and her sister discovers their mother brutally murdered, there is no time to grieve: Ophelia has inherited both her powerful death-driven magic and enormous debt on their home. Circumstances go from dire to deadly, however, when Ophelia’s sister decides to pay off the loan by entering Phantasma—a competition where most contestants don’t make it out alive and the winner is granted a single wish.

The only way to save her sister is to compete. But Phantasma is a cursed manor, with twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, and filled with enticing demons and fatal temptations. Ophelia will need to face nine floors of challenges to win… if her fears don’t overtake her first.

When a charming, arrogant stranger claims he can protect and guide Ophelia, she knows she shouldn’t trust him. While Blackwell may not seem dangerous, appearances can be deceptive. But with her sister’s life on the line, Ophelia can’t afford to turn him away. She just needs to ignore the overwhelming, dark attraction drawing them closer and closer together.

Because in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart.

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Nataly Gruender’s debut novel, Medusa, breathes new life into the myth of Medusa, transforming her from a mere monster into a complex, resilient character. This retelling remains true to the core elements of the myth while providing a fresh, and slightly feminist perspective.

The story begins with Medusa as the only mortal among the Gorgon sisters, destined by a prophecy to become a monster. The sisters’ journey from their secluded house on the beach to Athens marks the start of Medusa’s transformation. In the city, as a priestess of Athena, Medusa finds her true calling, but her life takes a tragic turn when Poseidon rapes her at Athena’s altar. And, unable to punish the god, Athena turns Medusa into a monster. Gruender skillfully navigates Medusa’s journey as she learns to live with her new form, finding companionship with Dionysus, a naiad, Echidna (and Cerberus), and eventually reconnecting with her sisters.

Gruender’s portrayal of Medusa as a tragic yet resilient character is both engaging and thought-provoking. The novel delves into Medusa’s inner world, exploring her motivations and the choices she makes with the prophecies she’s been given in mind. This depth of character adds a new dimension to the well-known myth, making Medusa more relatable and human.

The novel strikes a delicate balance between staying true to the myth and introducing new elements—like her friendship with Dionysus or the bond she shares with the naiad. Furthermore, Gruender’s interpretation of Athena as a pragmatic figure who makes decisions based on logic rather than empathy is particularly compelling and offers a more nuanced view of her actions.

While the prose is generally vivid and engaging, there are moments where it becomes lengthy, and certain aspects of the story could have been expanded upon. For instance, the romance between Medusa and the water nymph Naidah felt slightly underdeveloped and somewhat flat. Additionally, on some occasions, the dialogue also felt too modern and out of place compared to the narration style.

All in all, despite these minor flaws, Medusa is a compelling retelling of a classic myth. It’s a tender and inspiring exploration of what it means to be a monster and the power of resilience. It is a must-read for fans of Greek mythology authors like Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint, and Natalie Haynes, and those looking for a refreshing tale of feminine rage, acceptance, and the complexities of power and ethics.

Medusa is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up Medusa? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

An intimate look into the life of a legendary mythical villain who has so often been stripped of her voice and humanity in this debut novel, perfect for fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe and the works of Jennifer Saint.

You know how Medusa’s story ends, but you’ve never heard her tell her own story… until now.

The only mortal daughter of two sea gods, and a priestess of Athena, Medusa was a woman who thought she had found her place in the world. But when Medusa suffers a horrific violation at the hands of Poseidon, Athena is outraged over the desecration of her name and sends a message by transforming Medusa into the snake-haired monster of legend. With one look, any who meet her gaze is turned to stone. Word of her monstrosity travels fast, igniting a king’s fear so greatly that he commands the boy-hero Perseus to bring him her head. With a power that will spare no one, Medusa begins to wonder if this is a blessing or a curse. Medusa only knows that she must leave the city she has come to call home before she harms another soul.

Searching for a haven free from mortals, anger buoying her every step, Medusa journeys across ancient Greece. Her eyes are hidden beneath a blindfold, with nothing but the snakes for company. Through her travels, Medusa discovers solace and understanding in the mythical figures she stumbles upon: A debaucherous wine god, an alluring nymph, and a three-headed dog. But one cannot escape fate forever. As Perseus closes in, Medusa faces a choice: become the monster everyone expects her to be, or cling to the last piece of her humanity.

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Zen Cho’s The Friend Zone Experiment marks her entrance into contemporary romance, diverging from her usual fantasy genre. The novel centres on Renee Goh, the daughter of a wealthy businessman, who is striving for her father’s approval and inheritance against her older brothers. Her past love interest, Yap Ket Siong, re-enters her life, rekindling old feelings and unresolved issues from their university days.

The book delves into the complex dynamics of family, class, corruption, and ethics, adding layers to the central romance. Renee’s struggle for respect and recognition within her family and the high-stakes rivalry with her brothers are particularly engaging, drawing readers into her world.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. The writing lacks Cho’s usual wit and playful humour, as a result, at times the prose feels rather flat. The characters, particularly Renee, come across as lacklustre and the narrative often feels more suited to a YA audience than an adult one.

Renee’s character is marked by a complex mix of determination, vulnerability, and unresolved emotions from her past love. However, her rich girl persona with all her privileges makes it hard for the reader to connect and empathise with her all that much due to the constant whining.

On the other hand, Ket Siong’s character, while endearing, is overshadowed by the overwhelming family drama. His personal interests and struggles are given minimal attention, making him seem more like a supporting character in his own story. The resolution of his conflicts also feels rushed, and Renee’s role in his life is not sufficiently explored.

The relationship between Renee and Ket Siong is a slow-burn, second-chance romance peppered with mystery. Their backstory, which unfolds through flashbacks, adds some depth to their relationship but also feels somewhat tedious. The pacing is frustratingly slow, and the eventual revelation of their past misunderstandings feels anticlimactic.

Overall, The Friend Zone Experiment is a mixed bag. It offers some compelling moments and intricate family dynamics but falls short of Cho’s usual brilliance. The novel’s mistitling and lack of depth in character development make it less satisfying than expected. While it provides a different take on contemporary romance, it ultimately misses the mark in delivering a memorable and engaging story.

The Friend Zone Experiment is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up The Friend Zone Experiment? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

From the outside, Renee Goh’s life looks perfect. She’s thirty and beautiful, runs a glamorous―and profitable―women’s clothing company in London, and is dating a hot Taiwanese pop star.

But Renee is lonely. Estranged from her family in Singapore, she practically lives at the office, and now she’s just been dumped by her supposed boyfriend. Who she never saw anyway, so why is she ruining her Instagram-ready makeup by crying?

Before she can curl up on the couch with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, Renee’s father calls. He’s retiring, and, thanks to the screw-ups of her wastrel brothers, he is considering her as the next CEO of the family Chahaya Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Southeast Asia. That stamp of her father’s approval would mean everything to Renee, but can she cooperate with the brothers who drove her out of Singapore?

But fate isn’t done with her. That same night, Renee bumps into her first love, Yap Ket Siong, who broke her heart during university. They spend a wonderful night together, but Ket Siong is pursuing a dangerous vengeance for his family. In the light of day is there any hope for the two of them?

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Elena Armas has once again delivered a heartwarming and enchanting romance with The Fiancé Dilemma. The story follows Josie Moore, a woman with a complicated romantic history, and Matthew Flanagan, a man who finds himself in an unexpected role as Josie’s fake fiancé. Set in the charming small town of Green Oak, North Carolina, the plot is sculpted around the classic fake dating trope, but with a fresh and inviting atmosphere that makes it feel new and exciting. We already met these characters in the author’s previous novel, The Long Game; however, each novel can be read on its own.

Josie is an extremely likable heroine. She’s funny, caring, a bit quirky, and someone who just wants to be loved. She does have her own set of insecurities, past trauma, and daddy issues, which are a prominent part of her character, making her relatable and endearing at the same time. Also, after having suffered many losses, her bond with her ‘grandpa’ Mo and her sister Adalyn is also quite touching, adding an extra layer of warmth to the story.

Matthew, the male lead, is the epitome of a golden retriever-like romantic interest. He’s charming, patient, protective, and always puts Josie first. However, underneath all that, there’s a more complex and layered personality making him a compelling and lovable character. The chemistry between Josie and Matthew is unmistakable, and their hilarious and brilliant banter makes their fake engagement feel surprisingly real.

The plot is filled with humour, sensitivity, and a touch of spice. Josie and Matthew’s relationship is well-crafted and nuanced, with their interactions ranging from tender to fiery. The supporting characters, most of which we already met in the previous book, also add depth and charm to the story.

While the novel is not without its flaws—such as a lack of depth in explaining Josie’s past engagements and a desire for maybe more of Matthew’s perspective—The Fiancé Dilemma is a delightful and heartwarming read. The small-town setting, a strong sense of community, and well-developed characters make it stand out.

Armas has once again proven her ability to create drool-worthy romances that hit you right in the feels and will have you giggling at all times. The Fiancé Dilemma offers a beautiful balance of humour, heart, and heat, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance this summer.

The Fiancé Dilemma is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of July 30th 2024.

Will you be picking up The Fiancé Dilemma? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Josie Moore has given the opposite sex—and love—plenty of chances. Four exactly, if you count all her failed engagements, and five if you include the absentee father who kept her existence a secret until very recently. So when her father decides to announce his retirement with a splashy magazine piece about the family, Josie realizes her romantic history is a complicated PR issue.

Matthew Flanagan is in the mud, literally. Not only has he been fired from his job, but also the tires of his car are stuck in the muck after taking a wrong turn as he enters Green Oak, North Carolina. So, he grabs a duffel with his essentials and goes in search of a place to crash until he gets his life back on track. But instead, he finds his best friend’s sister, Josie, greeting him as her fiancé.

What starts as a big messy misunderstanding quickly turns into an arrangement with Matthew playing a new role as doting fiancé. A fifth engagement—and a stunt, at that—makes Josie’s stomach turn, but every dilemma requires a choice between equally undesirable alternatives, and Matthew doesn’t seem to mind becoming one more number in a colorful list of grooms-that-never-were. Despite the ring on her finger, Josie knows this is only temporary, even if the rest of the small town believes that the fifth time’s the charm.

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To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods—Molly X. Chang’s debut novel—offers a compelling narrative set in a fantastical world where magic clashes with science and the struggle against colonisation is at the forefront. The story revolves around Ruying, a girl blessed with the power of Death, navigating the complexities of her world under the oppressive rule of a futuristic Roman empire.

Chang intricately weaves together themes of power, duty, and the blurred lines between enemies and lovers in a tale that challenges traditional YA fantasy tropes. Ruying’s journey is one of moral ambiguity as she wrestles with her role in the empire’s machinations while striving to protect her family and her people. Chang’s prose is lyrical and evocative with vivid imaginary and, despite at times having repetitive monologues, the narrative feels engaging and immersive, keeping the readers invested in the character’s journey.

Although slow and not very strong, there’s some character development throughout the book, particularly Ruying’s transformation from complacency to conflicted agency. Her relationship with Antony, the prince of Rome, adds layers of tension and introspection as they navigate their intertwined fates amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and personal turmoil.

However, this hint towards a romance between Ruying and Antony may be polarising due to its complex dynamics which explore themes of manipulation, trauma, and the allure of power between the coloniser (the prince) and the colonised (Ruying). The slow burn nature of their relationship does allow for a deeper exploration of their emotional and psychological entanglement, making their interactions both captivating and thought-provoking but it still feels conflicting and morally wrong.

Beyond Ruying and Antony, we don’t really get to know the supporting cast that well but it’s clear that each of them have their own motivations and struggles: from Ruying’s childhood friend who to her eyes became a traitor of their own nation to her addiction-ravaged sister. Hopefully in the following books these characters will have a stronger development and a more prominent role.

Even though the novel has a lot of infodumping, the world-building is rich and captivating drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology and culture to create a vibrant and distinct setting. Chang brings the fantasy realm of Pangu to life, a world where Xianlings are people who possess diverse and unique abilities. This realm is currently colonised by Rome, a nation that is heavily focused on technological advancements and who use (or kill) these Xianlings to their own advantage.

At its core, this novel is one that explores themes of colonialism and its impact on both sides. Through Ruying’s perspective, readers are confronted with the realities imperialism: cultural erasure, exploitation, and resistance. It also has a strong theme of identity and belonging with Ruying being torn between the allegiance to her people and her (forced) allegiance with Antony. Moreover, the novel also serves as a platform for social commentary as Chang’s narrative invites readers to reflect on real-world issues: environmental degradation, patriarchal structures, and societal inequality.

Overall, To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods offers a dark and engaging tale that challenges conventions and delves into the complexities of morality, power, and love in the face of oppression. While not without its flaws, the novel succeeds in delivering a captivating story with mostly compelling characters and thought-provoking themes. Hopefully, in the next two installments the issues with this first book will be resolved and characters will continue to grow and achieve a bigger development.

To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Synopsis | Goodreads

She has power over death. He has power over her. When two enemies strike a dangerous bargain, will they end a war . . . or ignite one?

Heroes die, cowards live. Daughter of a conquered world, Ruying hates the invaders who descended from the heavens long before she was born and defeated the magic of her people with technologies unlike anything her world had ever seen.

Blessed by Death, born with the ability to pull the life right out of mortal bodies, Ruying shouldn’t have to fear these foreign invaders, but she does. Especially because she wants to keep herself and her family safe.

When Ruying’s Gift is discovered by an enemy prince, he offers her an impossible deal: If she becomes his private assassin and eliminates his political rivals—whose deaths he swears would be for the good of both their worlds and would protect her people from further brutalization—her family will never starve or suffer harm again. But to accept this bargain, she must use the powers she has always feared, powers that will shave years off her own existence.

Can Ruying trust this prince, whose promises of a better world make her heart ache and whose smiles make her pulse beat faster? Are the evils of this agreement really in the service of a much greater good? Or will she betray her entire nation by protecting those she loves the most?

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Kindling, the new standalone novel from bestselling author Traci Chee, transports readers into a vividly imagined world where echoes of a cruel war between Amerand and Vedran territories still reverberate through the lives of the protagonists of this story. The kindlings—magic wielding child warriors—now find themselves adrift in a society that deemed them unuseful and unlawful and unless they chose to surrender, they are bound to be outcasts that have to survive on their own, with a threat that they’ll be killed if they were to disturb the peace their society had achieved after the war. The now young adults are left to navigate this post-war existence as they battle the loss of their youth and are struggling to find their true identities and purpose whilst also finding meaning beyond the roles of being weapons which they had been forced to embody.

Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty and longing, a new threat emerges bringing together a diverse group of seven kindlings whose fates will be intertwined by their shared trauma. As they spend time in a humble village they’ve sworn to protect from this new menace, they will embark on a personal journey of self-discovery and redemption that will lead them to forging strong bonds with each other.

The wordbuilding of this story is easy enough to understand and the plot is interesting as well, although, at its core this is a strong character driven novel. Every single character is unique and multifaceted, each with their own intricate personalities, morals, and struggles. The author is great at making the reader feel a mix of complex emotions through the brutality, trauma and heartbreak these group of kindlings go through. Among all this darkness, there’s a beacon of hope: the power of found family. As the kindlings forge deeper bonds and relationships with one another as well as with the village inhabitants, they will find their own healing journing, confronting their own prejudices and fears along the way.

Written in the intimate second-person perspective the author invites the readers to immerse themselves fully in this world blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Whilst the choice of narrative style may be divisive—you either love or hate it—its integrated seamlessly and does serve to make the reader more participant of the story and drawing them deeper into the emotional aspect of the story.

In essence, with echoes to our current world, Kindling is a gender-bent reimagining of Seven Samurai (1954) and its remake The Magnificent Seven (1960) infused with a fresh perspective and diverse group of characters. This novel is a poignant exploration of the enduring scars of war rendered with sensitivity and nuance; a tale of loss, war, grief and healing full of yearning and angst throughout traumatic and gruelling events.

Trigger warnings: death, addiction, child soldiers, broken families…

Kindling is from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up Kindling? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

From bestselling and award-winning author Traci Chee comes a standalone fantasy set against a war-ravaged world where kindling warfare—the use of elite, magic-wielding teenage soldiers—has been outlawed. In this rich and evocative novel, seven kindlings search for purpose and identity as they prepare for one final battle. For fans of the classic films Seven Samurai and The Magnificent Seven.

Once, the war was fought with kindlings—elite, magic-wielding warriors whose devastating power comes at the cost of their own young lives.

Now, the war is over, and kindlings have been cast adrift—their magic outlawed, their skills outdated, their formidable balar weapons prized only as relics and souvenirs.

Violence still plagues the countryside, and memories haunt those who remain. When a village comes under threat of siege, it offers an opportunity for seven kindlings to fight one last time. But war changed these warriors. And to reclaim who they once were, they will have to battle their pasts, their trauma, and their grim fates to come together again—or none of them will make it out alive.

From bestselling and award-winning author Traci Chee comes a gut-wrenching, introspective fantasy about seven lost soldiers searching for the peace they once fought for and the future in which they’re finally daring to believe.

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In Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White, Amélie Wen Zhao concludes her Song of the Last Kingdom duology with a tale that is both beautiful and devastating. Set in a world where Elantian colonisers have invaded the Last Kingdom in search of legendary Demon Gods, the story follows two protagonists, Lan and Zen, each bound to a Demon God with the shared goal of defeating the Elantians by also destroying the powerful Gods.

Lan, fuelled by the memory of her mother’s death at the hands of Elantian invaders, is determined to complete her mother’s mission of destroying the Demon Gods. On the other hand, Zen, who made a pact with the Black Tortoise, is willing to sacrifice his own soul to save the Kingdom and the girl he loves. However, he needs more power than a single Demon God can provide and seeks to resurrect an undead army led by his late great-grandfather. Both of them will have to discover the truth behind their own past as well as the truth behind the Imperial family and other secrets of the Kingdom that will lead them to make decisive choices.

The novel weaves a complex narrative as Lan and Zen embark on their quests, each facing internal struggles with their own meaning of power and with the Demon Gods bound to them—the Silver Tiger and the Black Tortoise. Their journeys are fraught with challenges, as the young protagonists are not the only ones in pursuit of the Demon Gods. The Elantians want to acquire them too and continue their conquest and destroy the Kingdom. Lan and Zen’s separate hunts will bring them together numerous times throughout the novel only to separate them again and again.

Wen Zhao’s prose is gorgeous, and her storytelling is always reminiscent of Xianxia novels. The reader will be drawn into a world filled with magic, demons, and a richly developed story. The writing evokes a sense of ache, longing, and love that complements well the mostly slow pace of the book. However, at times the pacing can also feel pretty rushed which clashes with the stagnant moments of the novel.

All in all, equally beautiful and devastating, Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White is an enchanting conclusion to the Song of the Last Kingdom duology that explores themes of choice, truth, and the consequences of one’s actions.

Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

The epic sequel to the book Song of Silver, Flame Like Night, is a fast-paced, riveting YA fantasy inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.

Years ago, the Elantian colonizers invaded Lan’s homeland and killed her mother in their search to uncover the Last Kingdom’s greatest, the location of its legendary four Demon Gods. Lan’s mother devoted her life to destroying the Demon Gods, and Lan is determined to finish her mission. Yet, there are others searching for the gods, too.

Zen knew his soul was forfeit the moment he made a deal with the Demon God known as the Black Tortoise, but he’s willing to lose himself if it means saving the Kingdom–and the girl–he loves. But to crush the colonizers who have invaded his land he needs more power than even a single Demon God can provide. He needs an army. And he knows exactly where he can find it–in the undead army his great grandfather lead decades ago.

The Elantians may have stolen their throne, but the battle for the Last Kingdom has only begun.

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Alexandra Christo, author of To Kill A Kingdom and The Princess of Souls, comes back with a new novel: The Night Hunt. A dark fantasy romance that follows Atia, a monstrous girl who feeds on fear and nightmares, and Silas, a Gods-cursed boy who falls in love with her. As the last of her kind, Atia hides in the shadows to avoid the wrath of the unpredictable Gods. Silas, a Herald stripped of his human memories, seeks to recover his true identity. When the Gods send monsters to hunt Atia after she breaks a sacred law by killing a human, Silas offers a deal: he will help her avenge her family and defeat the Gods if she helps him break his curse. Together, along with a human boy who knows all about monsters and a half-banshee boy without a family, they set out on a quest to kill three powerful creatures and change their destinies.

The plot of the book is cleverly crafted, with surprising reveals and fast-paced action. This adventure story is enjoyable, and the comical dialogues offer a light-hearted feel to the darker aspects of the narrative. The found family aspect of the book shines through, creating a strong group dynamic among the characters.

Christo’s writing style is engaging and the younger tone of the characters would be particularly suited for young adult audiences. However, some characters may feel a bit flat at times, and the world-building could have been more developed. Despite these minor flaws, the story keeps readers hooked with its intriguing quest plot and the chemistry between Atia and Silas.

All in all, The Night Hunt is an electrifying fantasy romance that explores themes of gods, monsters, and the blurred lines between them. Christo skilfully blends snarky banter with gore elements, creating a sort of enemies-to-lovers romance set in a page-turning adventure. Overall, this book offers fast-paced fun and is recommended for fans of dark YA fantasy and mythical tales.

The Night Hunt is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up The Night Hunt? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

From Alexandra Christo, the author of To Kill a Kingdom, comes The Night Hunt, a dark fantasy romance about a monstrous girl who feeds on fear and the Gods-cursed boy who falls in love with her.

Atia is a monster who feeds on fear. As the last of her kind, she hides in the shadows of the world to escape the wrath of the unpredictable Gods. Silas is a Herald, carrying messages and ferrying the dead as punishment for a past he can’t remember. Stripped of his true name, he yearns to recover his identity.

Atia would never dream of allying with someone like him, but when she breaks a sacred law and the Gods send monsters to hunt her, Silas offers an irresistible deal: he’ll help avenge her family and take on the Gods who now hunt her, if she helps him break his curse and restore his humanity. All they need to do is kill three powerful creatures: a vampire, a banshee, and one of the very Gods who destroyed both their lives. Only together can they finally rewrite their destinies.

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