This was an interesting, fast-paced read. I liked the premise and the characters, but I had the distinct feeling it read like a screenplay adapted quickly into a novel. Though everything was easy to visualize, I feel like the characters and their relationships didn’t quite have the depth that I’m used to. And although it was a fun ride and sets up for a sequel, at the end, I just found myself not really satisfied.
At the 90% mark, I felt like I should be approaching the halfway mark rather than the end, and at the end, I feel like the characters’ development hadn’t made the significant strides I would’ve expected. I also felt like the audiobook narration read a little mechanically so I’m not sure how that affected my experience either. But if you’re looking for a plot-driven, fast-paced thriller with a fantastical edge, this might be for you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kept me turning pages, and I think I’d def still recommend it to sci-fi fans. I’m def curious to see what my husband thinks of it.
This was such a fun audiobook listen! It reminded me of a sci-fi version of The Selection. Though the world here firmly carries us into the far future with spaceships and a prince from another planet, the tech and language come off as very accessible with the narrative emphasis on The-Bachelor-style competition and the relationships between the characters. Though it doesn’t read as a stand-alone, the story is fast-paced and ends on a satisfying note. Recommended for fans of the Selection who want to travel to the stars. Thanks to the author for the audiobook copy, and you can grab your own here!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m always here for some gameshow dating shenanigans.
I haven’t finished an unputdownable book in a while so this was so refreshing. I’ve never read a why-choose romance, but the voices & relationships of the characters felt so real, and the background of political intrigue was fantastically woven. I honestly wish we had picked this one for our romantasy book club, but I’ll definitely be recommending it to all of them! Can’t wait for the sequel!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The sequel comes out this fall and I’m pumped for it!
Loved this read! The voice was fun, the tension was tight throughout, there’s a seed of romance, the narration was amazing, and I honestly didn’t know who did it until the end. Honestly this may be my favorite read of the year so far, and I highly recommend for anyone looking for a fast-paced whodunnit!
My 7-year-old and 9-year-old were having a discussion about why books are banned, so we listened to this audiobook (which is delightfully narrated by Neil Patrick Harris), and which is also banned in an adjacent county. I’d actually read it to them when they were younger and we found it on their daycare shelf, but they don’t remember.
It’s an adorable, charming book with sweet pictures that they enjoyed when they were young. As older children, discussing why someone would want to ban this book (and others) was invaluable. Highly recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
And just in case it needs to be explicitly said, our family stands passionately against book banning.
I really enjoyed this heartfelt middle-grade fantasy! Going through a difficult time in her life, Lianna is an easy protagonist to root for as she untangles her late father’s legacy, comes to terms with her grief, and adapts to her new life. Her magical, birdlike Hombit companion is definitely a source of light and fun in the story, and it was a pleasure to follow them as they untangled some of the secrets around them. Told in a very classical style with a magical flavor and solid narration, I recommend to anyone looking for an enchanting middle grade story with undercurrents of mystery (especially for fans of Troy’s Lucky Diamond series.) Thanks so much to the author for the Audible ARC, and you can grab your own copy here!
A very quirky, light paranormal romance with zombies, vampires, witches, fae, and the lot. The narration was excellent, the voice was cute, and the world was interesting, but the romance felt very fast, and some of the ongoing jokes didn’t quite hit for me. Recommended for those looking for a quirky, light romance in a modern, paranormal world.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Honestly, I’m always on the look-out for more excellent zombie stories.
I think I should start by saying this premise won’t be for everyone, but if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief for a premise that’s a little out there, the characters are lovable, their chemistry is great, the voice pops, their arcs were satisfying, the audiobook narration is fantastic, they have peak sunshine/grumpy energy, there’s lots of spice for those who are into that, and overall, the found-family themes were super sweet. Recommended for those looking for a spicy romcom that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I definitely plan on trying other books by this author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full disclosure, I did end up trying the other books in this series and they weren’t for me, but I did like this one!
I love Ilona Andrews books but this one wasn’t my favorite. Though I liked the tie-in to the Innkeeper series, and I also like Elias’s POV, Ada was mostly by herself as she survived/explored the cave, and her parts dragged for me. Although there will be a sequel, this one had a satisfying ending and I did really like the concept, the world, and where the story seems to be headed, so I think will pick up the sequel when it comes out. Overall, I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a scifi survival story in an interesting world.
I’ve been on an Ilona Andrews kick, so I’m going through their backlist to see what I’ve missed. I got this whole series on Audible on sale, but I didn’t realize how short these books are. This is an enjoyable but rather simplistic sci-fi romance novella. 4 stars
Silver Shark (Book 2):
I downloaded the kinsmen series package deal thing since it was on sale on Audible. This was a cute, short sci-fi romance. The world-building and sci-fi elements were well-fleshed out for such a short book, but it left me wanting more character & romance-wise. Honestly I felt like this series walked so that the Innkeeper series & The Hidden Legacy series could run. Recommended if you’re looking for a short sci-fi romance. 4.5 stars
A Mere Formality (Novella that was part of the audiobook bundle):
Another fun sci-fi romance short story. Honestly, I felt like the Kinsman series was pretty consistent in tone, but I think my only criticism was that they felt too short to fully flesh out the characters and the romance. But they’re fun if you’re looking for a quick, light read. (Also I just noted that this says Koslov universe, but it was included in the Kinsman audiobook bundle. I can see how the universes are different, but the vibe was super similar.) 4 stars
Fated Blades (Book 3):
Weirdly, though this was the longest book the series (though still short), this was my least favorite of the series. To me, it felt more mechanical – the voice and character chemistry didn’t pop for me the way they do for me in most Ilona Andrews books. The romance felt almost like an after thought here, taking a backseat than in most of their books, and really only coming into play in like the last 5%. Also, I don’t feel like there was the humorous/bantery edge there usually is in their books So… this one wasn’t so much for me, but if you’re looking for a plot-driven sci-fi with a small side of romance, this might be for you. 3.5 stars
Overall Series Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m an Ilona Andrews fan, but had mixed feelings on these – if you’re looking short sci-fi stories though, this may be for you!
