Book Review: A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

This novel was not what I imagined it would be, but in a good way. The unnamed main character is at a desperate point in her life when a woman appears and tells her that she is destined to become a magical girl. Yet the reality is not like you see in manga or anime. The dangers come from unexpected sources and so do the powers.

I loved how unique the protagonist’s powers turned out to be, and also how she developed as a person because of it. The novel was a more realistic insight into the genre and the ending was, again, nothing like I thought it would be but again in a good way.

Book Review: The Secrets of Heaven by Reni Stankova

On the run from Heaven, Dante and Raphael must follow the path laid out for them whilst dodging old and new foes alike. Their journey was full of action and mystery, whilst allowing their romance to grow. Away from the court, there was more opportunity for tender moments between them and for them to be able to explore their relationship in great depth.

I think I enjoyed this second instalment more than the first. Away from the political restraints, it gave both main characters an opportunity to shine. The supporting cast gained further roles in this novel and I am looking forward to seeing how the series concludes.

Book Review: Bride by Ali Hazelwood

This is the first vampire/werewolf romance novel I have read and so I was not sure what to expect. Written from Misery’s (vampire’ POV) her arranged marriage to Alpha Lowe slowly begins to develop into genuine feelings. Nothing about the romance was rushed, which made it much more believable. This way it also added to the mystery element of the story, and enhanced that rather than distract from it.

Both Misery and Lowe had motivations for the marriage and those come together perfectly in combination with the outside forces at work. I found this book very hard to put down and recommend it for existing fans of vampire/werewolf romance as well as those wondering where to start with the genre.

Book Review: The Enemy of Heaven by Reni Stankova

The Enemy of Heaven is the first instalment of The Heaven Trilogy. Angel Raphael and Demon Dante are drawn together by recollections of their first chance meeting and then Raphael’s desire to save Dante’s life. Yet Raphael also seeks an ally in his dangerous political game to upend of the order of things and create a better world for all who live in it.

This is an action-packed political thriller, with an well-developed array of characters – both good and bad. The dynamic between Raphael and Dante is interesting and changes as the story progresses, as Dante becomes more sure of himself and Raphael perhaps less so.

If you want to read a different kind of angels and demons story, I recommend The Enemy of Heaven.

Book Review: The Death Wish by D K Girl

I admit, I did put off reading the finale to this series. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I did not want it to end. However, the finale did not disappoint. The pressure was on, the entire series had been building up to this and it was executed perfectly. There were no loose ends or questions. Everything was drawn together and the supporting characters were given their moments to shine. Of course, not everyone survived and goodbyes were hard, but necessary as the series came to its conclusion.

The ending for Pitch and Silas was fitting, and even though perhaps not as expected, the two were given the happiness that they deserved. I will miss this series and characters, and look forward to the author’s future works.

Book Review: Where Demons Reside by Kara Macris

This young adult novel provides a refreshing and unique take on the angels vs demons struggle. When Thomas Walker carries out his first exorcism under duress from his Grandfather, he begins to have doubts about whether he is actually helping the demons. When his Grandfather dies, he and his mother inherit his property and relocate to the very town that Thomas is desperate to get away from. However, when meeting his new neighbours, Thomas realises that there is another path mapped out for him, and one that involves his love interest Elijah too. 

I really enjoyed Where Demons Reside. Not only did the plot continually evolve to keep me guessing, the characters changed and developed so much as the novel progressed. Thomas, in particular, became much more sure of himself as well as ready to open up to other characters and stand up for himself. 

Young adult novel fans and lovers of the paranormal will enjoy reading Where Demons Reside as much as I did! 

Book Review: The Power of Three by Teri Polen

The Teller family believe their financial fortunes are finally changing for the better when they inherit a large centuries old property, which has been the home to generations of Tellers before them. However, with the house comes a vengeful spirit who has vowed to destroy the entire Teller line. Brothers Beck, Gid and Lex soon learn that they are the only ones who can put an end to the curse and save their family from following the same fate as their ancestors before them.
As the paranormal activity ramps up and becomes increasingly threatening, the brothers begin to uncover the mystery that will be the key to saving them.

I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping and page turning young adult novel. It immediately reminded me of everything I loved from the genre growing up and once I started reading it, I found it impossible to put down.

The Teller family’s bond was powerful, and it was clear how much their loved each other, but there was enough sparring and quips between the siblings to craft believable relationships. The origin of the curse was well developed and incorporated plenty of supernatural lore as well as a few new twists.

Each family member had their own unique strengths that contributed to the battle against Cora. There was plenty of well-crafted action scenes balanced with time taken to build on existing relationships and create new ones.

Lovers of the paranormal and young adult genres will enjoy The Power of Three as much as I did!

Book Review: Artemis by Andy Weir

I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed thriller set on the fictional lunar city of Artemis.

Artemis has its own economy and like on Earth there are rich and poor elements of society. The protagonist Jazz is in the latter category.  As well as her day job, she works as a smuggler procuring banned items for the city’s inhabitants. Unable to refuse the offer of a lifetime, when a job turns bad Jazz finds herself on the run from assassins whilst trying to fix the mess she has made.

This novel would translate well into a TV series. It has everything; action, thrills, mystery, a strong female lead and a great cast of supporting characters!

Book Review: The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon

Right from the start I knew I would be hooked! When sworn enemies, Talasyn and Alaric are forced to come together for the greater good, neither of them are ecstatic about the new arrangement. Yet hate and love are closer than either of them realise and a different kind of relationship begins to grow between them.

I think what I loved most about this book, is that it is a realistic portrayal of a war, the outcomes and also how two people from opposite sides are being used by their respective kingdoms. Both are trapped and also fighting each other, whilst failing to see how much they actually have in common. There are so many factors at play, I cannot predict what direction the series will go in and I love this! I cannot wait to read book 2!