Fantasy - No Apology Book Reviews

Review Roundup Autumn 2024 – Part 1

October 4, 2024September 20, 2024

A quick little roundup of several smaller reviews I wrote in Autumn 2024. Beware of spoilers! Title: How to Help a Hungry Werewolf Author: Charlotte Stein Series: The Sanctuary for Supernatural Creatures #1 Much thanks to Charlotte Stein, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review. So funny and charming! I loved spending time with Cassie and Seth. However, I can believe some readers may find this kind …

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

January 10, 2023

Title: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries Author: Heather Fawcett Series: Emily Wilde #1 A pleasant surprise Much thanks to Heather Fawcett, Random House/Del Rey, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This novel was a surprise to me. I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t Veronica Speedwell with faeries. That’s a pretty accurate pitch. Emily was a more socially awkward and reserved version of Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell. Framed …

When a Princess Proposes by Kerrelyn Sparks

May 8, 2022

Title: When a Princess Proposes Author: Kerrelyn Sparks Series: Embraced #6/Embraced by Magic #3 A pleasant if predictable romp in Earthlan Thank you to Kerrelyn Sparks, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I could have sworn Sparks told me she was going to write about the children of the vampire series, not the Embraced series, but perhaps I misunderstood. Regardless, I’m very much okay with continuing in Earthlan. …

The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea by Kerrelyn Sparks

July 21, 2020

Title: The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea Author: Kerrelyn Sparks Series: Embraced (by Magic) #5 A satisfying conclusion at last I would like to thank Kerrelyn Sparks, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I tried not to spoil much, but there might be a few minor things here and there. Yaaaay! FINALLY we get answers to the questions we’ve had for years! Well, it’s only been a …

How to Love Your Elf by Kerrelyn Sparks

February 23, 2020

Title: How to Love Your Elf Author: Kerrelyn Sparks Series: Embraced #4 (Embraced by Magic #1 *eye roll*) Could have ended better but overall a joyous return to Aerthlan I would like to thank Kerrelyn Sparks, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Yaaayyy! They’re back! The Embraced series was my introduction to Sparks, and I’ve become a big fan. I grew concerned when, after the release of book …

Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau

November 4, 2019March 20, 2019

Title: Kingdom of Exiles Author: Maxym M. Martineau Series: The Beast Charmer #1 Not the best beginning but still a great book I would like to thank Maxym M. Martineau, Sourcebooks, Inc., and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was a fun adventure with high stakes, an intriguing premise, and a fascinating use of magic. It was generally well-written, with multifaceted characters and creativity that knew no bounds. I …

Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda Jones

October 13, 2018

Title: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight Author: Darynda Jones Series: Charley Davidson #11 Too much plot and a little frustrating The eleventh Charley Davidson book is a good example of too much plot. The other books in the series have tread this line, but this is the first one I feel steps over it. While I love this book as much as I love all the others, I can still acknowledge that this novel was either a little too full of …

The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones

October 13, 2018October 9, 2018

Title: The Curse of Tenth Grave Author: Darynda Jones Series: Charley Davidson #10 Had to dig deep for flaws To prepare for the release of Summoned to Thirteenth Grave in January, I started re-listening to the Grave series audiobooks a couple of months ago (Lorelei King is AMAZING). I got through Nine and needed a breather…then I received an invitation to participate in a blog tour for Thirteen beginning on Halloween, and part of the deal is to review one …

Last Shot Review

October 7, 2018April 25, 2018

Title: Last Shot Author: Daniel José Older Series: n/a Just my overall thoughts. If you want to avoid spoilers for the book, there are minor ones here, so beware. I liked this book more than I thought I would, but it wasn’t perfect. My favorite aspect: two-year-old Ben Solo, of course, as well as Han’s awkward, uncomfortable approach to parenting, marriage, and overall commitment. He loves his family but he just doesn’t know what the hell to do with them. …

Year One by Nora Roberts

November 5, 2019December 9, 2017

Title: Year One Author: Nora Roberts Series: Chronicles of The One #1 a dark, magickal mix of Zombieland and Heroes I was thoroughly impressed with the ingenuity and world-building in this novel. It’s probably been done before, but I’ve never seen the end of the world caused by dark magic. A deadly virus spread with crazy ease and speed, killing billions of people—but also unlocking supernatural abilities in others. And there were also ordinary humans who just seemed to be …