Loved it. Loved the characters. Loved the voice. Loved the world, the magic, the characters— Absolutely just *chef’s kiss.* Works as a stand-alone, but I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series ASAP.
The only two things I wasn’t crazy about were the cover and the narrator’s voice for Declan, but I will absolutely be recommending this one!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Update: I also read most of Book 2 of the Edge series (Bayou Moon), but it had a darker, grittier vibe and I didn’t connect with the characters as much so I DNF’d. But I also tried reading the Kate Daniels series again (which is Ilona Andrews’ most popular and is also on the grittier side), and I DNF’d as well. So if you like grittier stuff, you might prefer those!
I love engrossing nonfiction, and this was totally fascinating. John Green tells the story of tuberculosis through a multi-faceted lens but also with such humanity and compassion, and, though I’m a nonfiction person only by exception, I’m definitely adding John Green to my list of authors that writes it incredibly well. Totally recommend to anyone looking for any interesting, devastating subject to look at from many angles.
For background, The Innkeeper Chronicles is one of my favorite series of all time, but I didn’t get into the Kate Daniels series, so when I saw a new Ilona Andrews Graphic Audiobook pop up on Libby, I feel like I went in with an open mind.
And I’m so mad at myself that I didn’t find this series earlier.
I love it, your honor.
And if you like fun banter, a lovable FMC, great action, twisting plot, and some serious swooning chemistry, this is for you. It will definitely be on my favorite books of the year list, and although I have book 2 on hold, I know I’ll be throwing money at this so I can have it faster.
Also, this makes me want to go back and read the first Kate Daniels book again and also try out Ilona Andrews other series because I def need more of this in my life.
Also the Graphic Audio production is fantastic. I mowed the lawn, worked out, took the dog for a walk, and did laundry so I could keep listening.
Bring on Book Two. 5 stars.
White Hot (Book 2):
Inhaled it. Loved it. If you liked book 1, book 2 does not disappoint. Fantastic expansion of this world and development of the characters and romance. Fast-paced with excellent action and dramatic tension. Bantery with sassy main characters you can’t help but love, and side characters I want to know more about. Can’t wait to read 3 and highly recommend the graphic audio production! 5 stars.
Wildfire (Book 3):
I stayed up 2 hours after bedtime on a work night to finish this book, and I have no regrets. Totally addicting in the best way. I immediately downloaded the novella (3.5), and honestly hope this series goes on forever. Great characters, mystery, action, banter, romance, fun, humor… what more could you want? Also, I was a little nervous because for the first two, I listened to the graphic audio production, but I listened to the single narrator for this one.
Happy to say it didn’t take away my enjoyment at all. I still prefer the graphic audio, but the single narrator was wonderful too. 100% recommend. 5 stars.
Diamond Fire (Book 3.5):
A nice, fast-paced novella to give Rogan and Nevada some closure and introduce us to Catalina’s POV. Her powers are super interesting, and I’m totally ready to jump into the next one! 5 stars.
Sapphire Flames (Book 4):
I love this world sooooo much and book 4 was just as addictive as the first trilogy. While Catalina & Alessandro have great chemistry, I’m not obsessed with them quite as much as I was with Nevada/Rogan… but I’m totally hooked for the next book. 5 stars.
Emerald Blaze (Book 5):
I am legit obsessed with this series and I’m going to have such a bad book hangover when I’m done with these books! Action, romance, banter, humor, mystery, and a world you can fall into. Will definitely be recommending these to literally everyone. 5 stars.
Ruby Fever (Book 6):
A great end to Catalina’s trilogy (though I wish we’d seen more of Alessandro in the first half.) ALL fingers crossed for an Arabella trilogy though. Honestly, I think she may be my favorite of the 3 sisters and I love her POV! 5 stars.
Overall Series Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yes, that was six stars. This series was a huge win for me and went in my “all-time favorites” list. Fingers crossed for the series to continue in the future!
Wow, I don’t think I ever realized how different the movie was from the book! I definitely still enjoyed the book and all its magical chaos and bizarre sort of silliness, but I think on the whole, I prefer the movie better. Totally recommend this for any fans of the movie though with the understanding that it is an extremely different story with characters that are also quite different but with similar elements. (Also, very light on the romantic arc, so if you’re coming for that, just know it’s incredibly minor here.)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ¼
Howl’s man-cold situation still has me giggling. I mean, he’s still an icon, but definitely bizarre.
I enjoyed this! Not as much as Bride though. Characters were super fun, the voice pops, the banter is peak, the narration is awesome, and I liked returning to this fun world. But two kind big things I wasn’t crazy about: the beginning hops back and forth between present in past in flashbacks that I found kind of jarring (like at one point I had to check to be sure I hadn’t missed a chapter), but those stopped around the 20% mark. Secondly (and maybe more importantly) I feel like a couple of the main plot points were resolved with something like, “welp, turns out that wasn’t a problem after all” and there was a moment in the epilogue too that didn’t quite hit for me. While I didn’t love those moments, they didn’t bother me too much… because on the whole, I feel like this is a light cotton-candy read of a werewolf book
Overall though, definitely enjoyed the read. It’s light, it’s’ fun, the plot was… a largely unnecessary construct so readers could enjoy the characters, voice. and the world, but I think fans of Bride will probably enjoy this one too.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ¼
Honestly, one of my favorite picks from book club this year. I was there for a fun ride, and it was a fun ride.
Great narration, the pirate adventure vibes were definitely here in force, and I enjoyed the idea of sibling captains, but the characters didn’t quite grab me. Recommended for those looking for a plot-driven pirate adventure.
⭐⭐⭐½
It’s been a long time since I’ve fallen in love with a pirate adventure. I think those might be a tough sell for me.
This story reminded me of Twilight + Boondock Saints. The duet narration for this was absolutely fantastic and I thought the idea of Irish vampire romance was a fun idea. The story took itself way more seriously though than I expected from the title, and I didn’t love the dynamic between the two main characters, and the Vietnam War era backdrop felt a little strange to me. But if you’re looking for an interesting paranormal premise with great narration, this may be for you!
Really enjoyed the characters, the writing, and this world. In general, it’s all so fun and light and unique, and it really just feels like a comfort-read. I also really thought the friends dynamic between the two main leads was well done. I feel like friends-to-lovers is a hard dynamic to pull off but you could definitely feel the tension between them (as well as a believable barrier) from the beginning. However, the ending resolution between the two of them felt a bit rushed though, and there was some miscommunication trope use which didn’t sit super well for me in the end. Otherwise, definitely an enjoyable read, and the narration is fantastic. I’d recommend this for anyone looking for a light fantasy that read likes a quirky romcom (Honestly I need WAY more books like this in my life.) I’ve got book 3 on my TBR as well and I’m excited to read it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐¼
Enjoyed the journey, but honestly, I’m still thinking about how I wish the ending would’ve gone just a little differently.
Some book reviews honestly don’t need very many words. This felt less like a sequel and more like “part 2” of the first book. Which is to say, if the first book destroyed you, this one may put you back together. (At least a little bit.)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Nothing can destroy you and (maybe) put you back together like middle grade.
Loved this one. I’m such a huge T. Kingfisher fan. The voice, characters, and world all just seamlessly pop off the page in a way that’s such a joy to read. Though I’m not usually a huge fairytale retelling fan, this one is so original it works super well and the narration was fantastic. There was a moment in the middle where I thought we lagged just a little, but the resolution hit just the right spot. Though Swordheart & A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking are still my top 2 Kingfisher books, I think this one’s swooping in for a solid third. Definitely will be recommending to anyone who loves voicey fantasy with a hint of darkness and the warm fuzzies of a happy ending.
Hayley Reese Chow 