So this was a very charming, cozy fantasy that I definitely enjoyed! I really liked the world-building, the array of characters told through 3rd-person omniscient, the character growth, the magical vibes, the concept and the narration. And if you’re looking for a cozy fantasy with a side of romance that doesn’t skimp on world-building, I totally recommend this for you. However, as this is a rather lengthy read (658 pages), I think I was expecting a little more plot progress/resolution at the end of the book. I feel like this reads more like a “part 1” then a complete book, and I don’t know if I was sufficiently hooked enough in the chemistry between the characters to invest in book 2.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Not going to lie, some House Witch powers would be pretty sweeeeeet.
This was such a charmingly sweet adventure! I would honestly describe this book as a magically warm bubble-bath of a fantastical journey. Set in a fantastically quirky world, the story follows two heroes as they set off on separate journeys featuring giants, dragons, and other magical characters on a series of escapades through a coming-of-age-tale with a light sprinkling of sweet romance. Though this is lower YA, I’d definitely recommend this to anyone with a 10+ reader looking for a light, joyful escapade with likable characters and whimsically cozy capers. Thanks so much to the author for the ARC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Everyone needs to go on a preposterous journey sometimes.
This was another one I picked up from my friend’s TBR and I loved it! Interesting world, interesting characters, fast-pace, some Cinderella vibes, but with epic potential. Highly recommend for anyone looking for excellent YA Fantasy. (And the audiobook narration was fabulous.) 5 stars.
These Infinite Threads (Book 2):
Definitely enjoyed this sequel, although I was surprised because it felt like we had a lot less plot progress in this one than in the first. But I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the world, and the writing, so I’ve already picked up book 3 and would definitely recommend this one to any fans of book 1. 5 stars.
All This Twisted Glory (Book 3):
While I still enjoyed this book, I feel like the plot pacing has slowed drastically from book one, and I feel my impatience with the story’s progress growing. Every moment is dragged out, and while the writing is great, there’s actually very little that happens in books 2 & 3. I think I’ll still try book 4, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I don’t make it to book 5. 4.25 stars.
Overall Series Rating so Far:
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
I mean, it started out strong, and I’ll read number 4, but I’m not sure I’m feeling confident right now.
I fear I might’ve been in a bit of a reading slump when I started Dyrwolf, but I did like all the elements. Strong female MC, sweet love interest, great writing, lots of action, interesting world dynamic between the Dyr and humans, and interesting political intrigue—but I think there was just something about the pacing and possibly the chemistry between Lea and Henrik that threw me off just a smidge. Even so, I definitely enjoyed this action-filled fantastical adventure, and would recommend to anyone looking for a fun YA fantasy with a wolfy twist.
I think this book has convinced me that I’m *really* not a paperback person. I’m always losing them, and after spending hours editing, revising, and beta-reading, I really just want to have someone read to me on an audiobook. While I’m not saying I’m moving exclusively to audiobooks… I think the paperback life might be behind me. Which feels weirdly bittersweet for some reason.
I loved Katherine Macdonald’s Thief of Spring duology, so I was absolutely ready to pick up another book for hers. A Curse of Hope and Shadows kind of reminds me of a cross between Beauty and the Beast and Downton Abbey. The romance is sweet and slowburn, and the plot closely shadows the source fairy tale, but (and this is a personal preference) there wasn’t quite enough tension for me. Adeline and Dimitri fall pretty steadily for each other throughout, although at times, I feel like Adeline was a bit motherly toward Dimitri. But as per usual, Macdonald’s writing is gorgeous and her characters are both likable and showcase a lot of depth. I would totally recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, character-driven Beauty and the Beast retelling.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Give me the frightening, monstery beasts that are something to fear.
Okay, Followed by Fire was so fun. I loved McKenzie Austin’s Panagea Tales, but I think this one tops it for me. McKenzie has such a gift for vibrant characters that jump off the page, and I especially loved these. I loved Esven, Balvo, and Elias so much it was honestly hard for me to pick a favorite. In a world of demons and magic, the strings that tied these characters together were tense, the banter was perfection, and Maritimus the cat was the cherry on top. Highly recommend for all fans of YA Fantasy.
So, I’m not a musically inclined person by nature, but I decided to try to make some playlists for my books, and I absolutely loved it! Listening to the playlists added this whole other dimension and put me right into the book so I could experience the scene play out. So cool! Naturally, since it was so awesome, I had to share. Below, are the playlists for the entire Odriel’s Heirs series, and I’ll be sure to add them to their page on this site. I’ll also release the playlists for Codename: CNDRLA and my 2023 sci-fi closer to publication!
I hope you enjoy them and as always, I’d love to hear your suggestions and recommendations if you have any!
We pause the usual book reviews, for a writing update! It seems like there’s a lot going on lately, so here’s the quick scoop on my upcoming releases and works-in-progress (WIPs)!
The Biggest News:
🥳🥳🥳 I SIGNED MY FIRST BOOK DEAL! 🥳🥳🥳
I’m so thrilled to announce first young adult science fiction is coming to Whimsical Publishing in Summer (ish) 2023! If you’re interested in updates, definitely keep an eye on my Instagram and Twitter for more developments!
Writing Contest News:
In the NYC Microfiction Challenge, I made it to the final round! 🥳 Winners will be announced in September, and I’ll be sure to post my final entry and feedback here!
I submitted Odriel’s Heirs in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off! This contest is still in the early stages, but I’m excited to see the review of Odriel’s Heirs from Booknest.
I submitted The Gatekeeper of Pericael in the Book Blogger Novel of the Year Contest, and it made it into the semifinals! 🥳 Finalists are announced in September, but the competition is crazy steep this year, so my fingers are crossed tight!
What’s going on with Codename: CNDRLA?
I know this WIP is a favorite of many of my Betas and CPs, and it probably seems like it’s been in the query trenches forever! And yes, reader, it does feel that way sometimes! But, seriously it’s a good thing! I still have a handful of full requests I’m waiting to hear back on from agents and publishers. The process just takes a really long time! I’m hoping I’ll have an update by the end of the year, but we’ll just have to wait and see. 😊
When’s the last book of the Odriel’s Heirs series coming out?
Time’s Orphan (Odriel’s Heirs #3) is with my Critique Partners for revision this month, and I’m hoping to release ARCs this Fall for a February release. If that seems too far away, you can check out Night of Ash (Odriel’s Heirs #2.5) in the meantime! Night of Ash is the follow-on sequel novella to Idriel’s Children, and ARCs are available now before the 27 Sep release. If you’d like one, just give a shout.
Also, I’m in the process of creating paperback versions of Burning Shadows and Night of Ash, so if you’re interested in having the whole series on your shelf, you can! I’m hoping the paperback versions should be ready in time for Night of Ash’s release.
That’s all I’ve got for now, but if you have any questions, please feel free to comment below! As always, thanks for reading!
Hayley Reese Chow 