Early Reader Review: The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott

Series: Empyreal #1
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: August 27, 2024 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Nicole Palmer has needed to study the supernatural art in a local Cornish manor for years. Encoded in it is the last message from her mother on how to stay safe from The Wake—the organization that governs all supernaturals. As an Empyreal, Nicole has the ability to hunt and kill dangerous creatures, making her invaluable. But if her power was ever triggered, they would find her, use her, and then kill her.

Like they did her mother.

Securing an undergraduate research role to study the collection, Nicole discovers her greatest enemy—one of The Wake’s Empyreals. Kyan McCarter is their best hunter, stationed at the manor to track and kill a deadly creature, but when they realise a painting’s been stolen by his prey, Nicole and Kyan are forced to work together to find it.

As the creature threatens to expose Nicole’s power, her tenuous alliance with Kyan threatens her heart. If Kyan finds out what she is, he’ll hunt her next—or risk execution. No one disobeys The Wake and survives. Especially not when the art they’re seeking holds the key to a conspiracy that could get them both killed, and change the lives of creatures, and humans, forever.

SERPENT AND DOVE meets A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES, in this luxurious, forbidden romance.

Review: 

Nicole is an Empyreal, but she hasn't made the full change yet. Her mother taught her to run should that ever happen or if she met another Empyreal. Her whole family has been on the run since her mother was murdered by an Empyreal many years ago and they still don't know the full story of why. Nicole is determined to find out through clues her mother has left for her in supernatural pieces or artwork. Nicole is studying art as a college student and living a pretty normal life around searching for her mother's clues, and she is starting to get somewhere when her mentor dies unexpectedly and an Empyreal shows up to investigate. 

Kyan is also an Empyreal and has been for centuries. He is conscripted to the Wake, a supernatural justice provider who are more than they seem. He is a loyal and faithful hunter and just there to do a job and get back out.  Part of that job is also to bring back any Empyreals he comes across once they have started hunting to the Wake. 

Told in dual POV - Nicole and Kyan, this was a blend of fantasy, romance, mystery, and a very interesting clue/ scavenger hunt. The Empyreal creature is essentially a shapeshifter which was a pretty interesting way to use a supernatural creature but put a spin on it. 

The book overall had lovely pacing, once you made it past the 100-page point, the reader was given enough to hold on, but also not enough so they wanted to keep pushing forward. I know that for some this might seem a bit slow and lagging but for me I thought it was nicely balanced. 

I appreciated the push and pull of the romantic elements. It was insta-love, but they are both so confused that they don't realize it, so that was a good move and like most books with forbidden romance, bit built up the danger and action within the plotline. I liked Nicole, she was determined and smart, but as most MCs was stubborn as well - thinking she can take on the world alone and that put her in some bad situations. That said, I liked her interests in Art History and wanted more of that, I love art, and it would have been cool to 'see' some of that art come through more. Kyan was your classic emo-boy to start. He is just getting by, doing what he needs to do, being angsty, but Nicole challenges him and he is interested in her for that reason to start - she pushes him. 

There are more books coming in this series, but the author doesn't leave you on a complete cliffhanger.  Quite a few things are wrapped nicely, so that you feel like you have some conclusion although there is more to come. 

Early Reader Review: One Wild Christmas by Nicholas Oldland

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters muy opinion or review.

One Wild Christmas by Nicholas Oldland 

Series: Life in the Wild
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date:  October 1, 2024 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Best friends the bear, the moose and the beaver have been so busy getting ready for Christmas, they have forgotten the most important decoration of all - the Christmas tree! Rushing through the snowy forest, they reject one tree after another. And then they spot it. A pine tree that is just the right size, with soft needles and a wonderful scent - it's perfect! But just as the beaver is about to chop it down, the bear stops him. He can't allow this tree to be harmed, it is simply too beautiful! But the moose and the beaver disagree. Is there a way they can have a perfect Christmas - without chopping down the perfect tree?

Review: 

Bear, Moose, and Beaver are friends and at Christmas time they divide up all the chores and to do list so that they- can ensure the best Christmas ever.  This year they forgot the tree! They all run out into the woods to find the perfect tree but there are some that are too big, some too small, and some that are not the right type. When they come to the perfect Christmas tree though, Bear is very unhappy about chopping it down. They have to change plans.

This was a cute story. I liked that it was about preserving nature in its natural enviornment. It was also a quick, fun holiday read. I think that kids will like the animals and the fighting that ensues over the tree chopping. I enjoyed this one for its heart and concern for nature and it will be a great children's book to add to the collection.

Building the Book Pile #464

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Hi there - I hope you all had a great week! I am back home from NYC. Always such a whirlwind of a trip but I had a nice time. I was there for work with a bunch of students visiting some companies.  While there, I at a lot of good food... including Chipotle which I don't have where I live (I know...it is so sad, closest one is ~1 hr away). I also got to see some siblings and saw SIX the Musical- which was WONDERFUL live. If you have the chance, I recommend. It is like a concert the whole time. 

Anywho. I also did some reading on the bus ride down and back up, so that was productive. I always plan to work on the bus but the wifi is not that great, so reading instead (really it is a win for me).

Now back in NH... it is getting cold. Our heat is kicking on now ... which is normal and the leaves have mostly all changed. It is beautiful. After being in the city, the pretty trees and crisp, fresh air were so nice to come home to. 

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week

Early Reader Review: One Wild Christmas by Nicholas Oldland (Youth)

Early Reader Review: The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott (YA) 

Early Reader Review: Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood (YA)

Books Received Recently...  

The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett (MG/YA) - From the publisher for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: The Littlest Christmas Tree by Thomas Meyer (Youth)- 4 stars

Early Reader Review: My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows (YA) - 5 stars

Recent Reads: Witchy Reservations by Stephanie Damore (Adult) - 3 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!

Recent Reads: Witchy Reservations by Stephanie Damore

Witchy Reservations by Stephanie Damore 
Series: Mystic Inn #1
Publisher: Kindle
Publication Date: February 26, 2021

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Stuff Your Kindle Day Freebie

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

There's nothing practical about magic—which is why I ditched my wand years ago.

Thirteen years, to be exact.

The day I left Silverlake.

Except now, a family emergency has called me back home, and quite frankly, I'd rather be anywhere but here.

But when my aunt raises her wand to cure a friend and he ends up dead, it becomes abundantly clear I'm not leaving anytime soon.

Welcome to Silverlake, a place where nothing is EVER as it seems... and where a witch can find, and lose, a lot more than herself.

Review: 

I picked this one up for free during a witchy- stuff your kindle day. I read through the whole thing - so there was something here...

It is on the shorter side, around 200 pages, but is also the first in a series called Mystic Inn. Angelica Nightengale left her witchy hometown to live a normal life. She gave up magic along the way as well, literally leaving her wand behind. Her aunt summons her back to town with a rouse and then she is essentially stuck in town when there is a murder and her aunt is the one being blamed. Now there is a mystery on her hands, the books of the Inn to clean up, and the town to save. 

This book had a lot of plot lines for the first in a series and ... with more in the series coming up. The mystery probably could have been enough, or the drama of the Inn and it's books/ accounting. It likely is a set up for all the other books to come but it felt very jumbled. Angelica was dealing with so many things once she arrived- no wonder she left- Her aunt charged with murder... the murder... the Inn.. the town... and her lovelife all make an appearance in this short book. The main story seeming like the mystery. 

The book was fast-paced but like I mentioned with so much going on, there was a lot unresolved at the end. 

If you like mystery/murder with a witchy theme, this could be for you. 

Early Reader Review: My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows 
Series: Mary #3
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date:  August 20, 2024

 

Format: Hardback

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Perfect for fans of The Princess Bride and A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, New York Times bestselling authors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows are back with a fantastical, romantical, and piratical historical fantasy remix that marries the story of The Little Mermaid with the life and times of infamous lady pirate Mary Read.

Don't call this mermaid "little"—call her "captain," unless you want to walk the plank.

Mary is in love with the so-called prince of Charles Town, except he doesn't love her back. Which is inconvenient. Since she's a mermaid, being brokenhearted means she'll—poof!—turn into sea-foam.

But instead, Mary finds herself pulled out of the sea and up onto a pirate ship. To survive, she joins them. But Mary isn't willing to just sing the yo-ho-hos. She wants the pirate life, all of it, and she's ready to make a splash . . . by becoming captain. But when Blackbeard dies suddenly, Mary has a chance to become so much more: Pirate King . . . or Queen. She won't let anyone stop her—not Blackbeard's cute son, not her best friend from back under the sea who's having a bit too much fun with his new legs, and certainly not everyone who says she can't be a pirate just because she's a girl.

She may not be the best man for the job, but she'll definitely prove that she's worth her salt.

Review: 

My Salty Mary is #3 in the Mary Series, each book a historical fantasy retelling of a Mary - who might not have had the best ending. These authors are retelling their stories in a creative and fun way.

I have not read the other books in this series, but I will likely be going back for them. My Salty Mary was about pirates, mermaids, treause, and an adventure and folllowed Mary Rea, the infamous pirate. The characters are also popular ones, like Blackbeard's son - Tobias, Calico Jack, Anne Bonny.. and the Littlest mermaid. 

This book was so much fun. The authos made jokes around the pirates life making this story feel both adventourous but also laugh-out load funny. An example was the names: Captain Crunch, captain Morgan Captain Obvious. There were breaks of the 4th wall with notes about modern day technologies as well. 

The soty is told in multiple POV - Mary, Jack, Tobias and that added to the emotional turmiol of the plot - they were all in it for different reasons but in the end they all come together for Mary. The overall story is about Mary winning the Pirate King award - collecting the most treasure and she is determined, and luckily her crew is there for her. It was a fun feel good read and it was lovely to have a pirate book be about friendship and determination rather than spicy time and pillaging. 

Super cute, I loved it. If you like retellings, reimaginings and the Little Mermaid mixed with a little of that playfulness that Pirates of the Caribbean has, this will be a great read for you. 

Early Reader Review: The Littlest Christmas Tree by Thomas Meyer

Source: From Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Littlest Christmas Tree by Thomas Meyer 
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:   October 8th, 2024

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

It’s the size of one’s heart that matters most in this heartfelt Christmas story for young readers!

Alex the Christmas tree is teased because he is the smallest fir tree in the tree nursery. He can’t hold as many ornaments, he can’t stand as tall . . . Alex isn’t sure any animal family will want him as their Christmas tree. When the families come to choose their fir tree, Alex isn’t noticed at first. But then Selma, the smallest rabbit of all, discovers him. The rabbit family takes Alex home, and they all celebrate and sing together–even Alex, the littlest Christmas tree with the biggest holiday spirit!

Swiss best-selling author Thomas Meyer tells the story with humor and a big dose of Christmas spirit. Philippe Goossen’s pictures create a warm mood, and his characters win hearts–big and small.

Review: 

This is a cute illustrated children's book about a little Christmas tree. 

All the Christmas trees are learning how to be the best Christmas trees...with decorations, singing etc to prepare for the holiday season and families coming to get one of them. 

Kurt is the biggest but he is also a bully and makes fun of Alex because he is 'too small' to be a Christmas tree. When all the trees get picked, Alex is all alone and he starts to think that he really is just too small. Then a family comes for him, one of rabbits, and Selma is the smallest rabbit. They sing and have a Merry Christmas.

This was a cute little book about believing in yourself and you shouldn't take what bullies say to heart. There were adorable woodland creatures and the talking singing trees are so much fun. I love books about the holidays and this one was cute, whimsical, and will be a fun addition for the family. 

Building the Book Pile #463

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Happy Sunday-Funday all. I hope you had a lovely week and weekend up to this point. Happy to say that work is somewhat slowing down and I completed another book.

I have more reviews ready to go for this upcoming week - I will be in NYC for work and I am going to see SIX the Musical with some of my siblings.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week

Early Reader Review: The Littlest Christmas Tree by Thomas Meyer (Youth)

Early Reader Review: My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows (YA) 

Recent Reads: Witchy Reservations by Stephanie Damore (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

 
John the Skeleton by Triinu Laan - From Librarything Early Reviewers program

Have you missed anything lately?

Recent Reads: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross (YA) - 5 stars

Early Reader Review: The Knitting Witch by Norma Kassirer (Youth) -4 stars

Recent Reads: The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik (YA) -5 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!

Recent Reads: The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik

The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik 
Series: The Scholomance #3
Publisher: Del Ray Books
Publication Date:  September 7, 2022

 

Format: Paperback/ Audio
Source: Own both

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Saving the world is a test no school of magic can prepare you for in the triumphant conclusion to the New York Times bestselling trilogy that began with A Deadly Education and The Last Graduate.

The one thing you never talk about while you're in the Scholomance is what you'll do when you get out. Not even the richest enclaver would tempt fate that way. But it's all we dream about, the hideously slim chance we'll survive to make it out the gates and improbably find ourselves with a life ahead of us, a life outside the Scholomance halls.

And now the impossible dream has come true. I'm out, we're all out--and I didn't even have to turn into a monstrous dark witch to make it happen. So much for my great-grandmother's prophecy of doom and destruction. I didn't kill enclavers, I saved them. Me, and Orion, and our allies. Our graduation plan worked to perfection: we saved everyone and made the world safe for all wizards and brought peace and harmony to all the enclaves of the world.

Ha, only joking! Actually it's gone all wrong. Someone else has picked up the project of destroying enclaves in my stead, and probably everyone we saved is about to get killed in the brewing enclave war on the horizon. And the first thing I've got to do now, having miraculously got out of the Scholomance, is turn straight around and find a way back in.

Read my Review for Book 1! Click the Cover

 

Review: 

THERE WILL BE SPOILERS! 

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I started book 3 much later than I expected but the worldbuilding it so good, that you feel immediately back with the students of the Scholomance when you begin reading... Not much re-cap though, so there is a pro and con already... take that as you will.

The immersion that comes with the students being IN the Scholomance and school setting is obviously a bit lost in this installment. They are in the real-world now. 

El is thrust into a world of Enclaves that need her help. The mals, the worst kind are attacking Enclaves and someone or something is also attacking. She is the only one that has ever been able to defeat one without dying. 

There was so much here that was a mind-spin. Some were very off the wall others were like.. ok.. that makes sense. I felt like some of the things should have been developed on more, like Orion's background and his mother. I also wanted to learn more about her mother and father and their intentions around the Golden Enclaves, it felt like there was more there than said. 

I think that this book felt a bit rushed compared to the others, there was just a lot of realizations and things happening. With all the movement and places as well the vibe was just really different from the first two books. It was still a great book. I would love more in this world. I would love more IN the Scholomance. I felt somewhat fulfilled as this was the third book of the series but also thought it had enough to keep pushing forward as well.

Early Reader Review: The Knitting Witch by Norma Kassirer

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Knitting Witch by Norma Kassirer, illustrated by Mark Richardson 
Publisher: The Collective Book Studio
Publication Date:  October 1, 2024

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Eloise meets Coraline in this spellbinding tale by the beloved author of Magic Elizabeth.Ivy Lou seems to have it all—except friends. So when a witch appears and knits up some magical playmates, Ivy Lou’s parents hire her. Things quickly turn for the worse for Ivy Lou as her new friends, parents and fancy house disappear and she suddenly finds herself captive in the witch’s hastily knit Horrid Little Hut. The witch has her own motives—to groom Ivy Lou to be a witch’s child. Ivy Lou, who turns out to be terrible at making potions, casting spells, and riding on a broomstick, has met her match. Even her threat of Tantrum #3, to turn herself inside out, doesn’t faze this witch. Finally, as the witch is out on her nightly broomstick rounds, a terrified Ivy Lou, enchanted knitting needles in hand, has only until midnight to unknit the Horrid Hut and restore the life she knew. Could a magic star that came from her mother’s kiss in her former life help? Will Ivy Lou manage to get back home, or is she doomed to become a witch’s child forever?

Review: 

This story has a very 'classic' vibe. A very Brothers Grimm feeling tale. 

A young, misbehaving spoiled girl Ivy Lou always gets her way or she will throw a tantrum. They shake and scare her parents and the neighbors. Her parents feed into her and one day a witch shows up to help... instead she takes over the house and parents and bosses Ivy Lou around in an attempt to make a witch out of her. 

The book is all about behavior and how the witch does in fact help, but not in the way expected. 

The illustrations fit that old fairy-tale/ folk-tale feeling very well. They are great, detailed illustrations but pretty monotone to fit the vibe. They also help the story along and I think younger readers will like having them. They can be a little spooky though, and the witch is pretty scary as well. She really is evil. It is a quick read at 88 pages but that includes the full page illustrations. 

A few negatives, not sure that Ivy Lou really understands why she should behave, she just knows she doesn't want to be with the witch anymore. She is sad and lonely with the witch and that is why she wants to leave. 

I also didn't really love the explicit note about black hair being evil. It might paint the wrong picture for young readers... that all dark haired people are evil and all blone/ blue-eyed people are 'good'.

Overall, it was a fun book and It is coming out just in time for spooky season.

Recent Reads: Divine Rival by Rebecca Ross

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross 
Series: Letters of Enchantment #1
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication Date:  April 4, 2023 

 

Format: Audiobook
Source: Borrowed from the Library

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever.

After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow just wants to hold her family together. Her mother is suffering from addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

To combat her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath her wardrobe door, where they vanish―into the hands of Roman Kitt, her cold and handsome rival at the paper. When he anonymously writes Iris back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind, and love.

Shadow and Bone meets Lore in this epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.

Review: 

I picked up Divine Rivals from the library after being very disappointed with another book, really hoping it was worth all the hype it has gotten. It has also been on my To Read list. I feel like books lately have been either love or loathe for me...

I loved this book. It was such a refreshing read.

Iris works for a newspaper and is trying for a promotion. She isn't very well off and the promotion would be great for her and her mother, whom she now supports. However, there is another person vying for it as well, her enemy, Roman Kit. Roman is a pompous ass, wealthy, gets everything he wants and needs, doesn't really need the job or the promotion, and also hates Iris... or so she thinks. 

In this world, a war of the Gods is occuring and many have been called to one side or the other to fight. Iris' brother was one of those. She hasn't heard from him in a long time and her mother is barely keeping it together, drinking all the time. Her one solace is her typewriter, given to her by her grandmother, she writes on it and sometimes she gets messages back - she isn't sure where they are coming from or what kind of magic it is, only that it helps her through her day-to-day, even if she doesn't know who/what is on the otherside.

Circumstances change and Iris decides to go to war as a correspondent, hoping to find her brother. Then all the real fun begins.

The book is told in dual POV, Iris and Roman. There was wonderful banter throughout and that kept me wanting to listen, that said their wasn't as much world-building information as I would have liked to have. No mention of how the typewriters work, but just that they do... I wanted more about the God and the war. (Prequel maybe!?). I was really enjoy the book though. I liked Iris, she was strong, determined, and sometimes a bit too dramatic btut in the best ways. Roman was so oblivious at times that you have to laugh at him.

Then... you get a kind of happily ever after... with 2 more hours left of the book and you know everything is going to implode and BOY DOES IT EVER IMPLODE. 

The whole thing ends on a cliffhanger, so thank goodness the 2nd book is already out.