Harrow County: Omnibus Volume 2

Today's post is on Harrow County: Omnibus Volume 2 by Cullen Bunn et all. It is 408 pages long and published by Dark Horse Books. The cover has Hester Beck with a bloody cow skull in her hands. As it is the second omnibus, you need to have read the first volume to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical urban fantasy and horror. There is some mild foul language, no sex, and action violence in this graphic novel. The story follows Emmy. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- While Emmy has been focused on dealing with supernatural threats from the outside world; a much bigger problem has been brewing at home, leading to an epic confrontation that will alter the fate of the entirety of Harrow County!

Review- A great conclusion to a great story. Emmy has so much to do with keeping Harrow County safe from all the spirits in it and she has to learn about who she is really is. Emmy learns more about her family, her real powers, and what powers Kammi had. Bernice is also learning how to protect Harrow County in her own way. But none of that matters when Hester is returned to the world and she is gunning for Emmy. This was an great journey with Emmy and the others in Harrow County. I would read the next thing by Bunn and the artists who work with him. 

I give this omnibus a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library. 

Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 5

Today's manga post is on Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 5 by Gyeoeul Gwon and SUOL (Artist). It is 272 pages long and published by Ize Press. The cover has Penelope and Derrick on it. As it is the fifth in the series, you need to have read the first four volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes dark stories with intense characters and incredible art. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Penelope and Callisto safely escaped the assassins, but Callisto is left in mortal danger and Penelope...is standing trial for murder?! Accused of murdering seven nobles during the Hunt, she faces a court proceeding that’s in actuality nothing more than an elaborate sham to frame her. With false testimonies filling the courtroom and Callisto unable to take the stand, will Penelope make it out alive...?

Review- Penelope has been arrested for attempting to murder seven nobles and no one is listening to her, especially not her family. With Callisto unconscious, she has to prove her innocence all alone. But the game is working with her, to help save her neck and uncover the true villains. Penelope has reached the end of her rope with everyone around her. She only wants to end the game and go home but with every turn of the plot, she is getting in deeper. Penelope and Callisto continue have good discussions and he promises to never kill her. With only a month left before her coming of age event, Penelope is starting to feel the pressure. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next volume. 

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

The Memory Eater

Today's fiction post is on The Memory Eater by Rebecca Mahoney. It is 336 pages long and is published by Razorbill. The cover is a girl standing in the center is a ghostly being all around her with a face and hands. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this book. The intended reader is someone who likes young adult fiction, stories about dealing with trauma, and found family. The story is told from first person perspective. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- For generations, a monster called the Memory Eater has lived in the caves of Whistler Beach, Maine, surviving off the unhappy memories of those who want to forget. And for generations, the Harlows have been in charge of keeping her locked up—and keeping her fed.
After her grandmother dies, seventeen-year-old Alana Harlow inherits the family business. But there’s something Alana doesn’t know: the strange gaps in her memory aren’t from an accident. Her memories have been taken— eaten. And with them, she’s lost the knowledge of how to keep the monster contained.
Now the Memory Eater is loose. Alana’s mistake could cost Whistler Beach everything—unless she can figure out how to retrieve her own memories and recapture the monster. But as Alana delves deeper into her family’s magic and the history of her town, she discovers a shocking secret at the center of the Harlow family business and learns that tampering with memories never comes without a price.

Review- A moving story about how we deal with grief, trauma, and the other hard things in life. The past year hasn't been kind to Alana, her grandmother died, she broke up with her girlfriend, and no one really trusts to do her job. Then the memory eater gets out and now she has to save the town before the memory eater eats them all. A moving tale about memory, family trauma, and learning to live with hard memories. Alana is a good main character, she is trying so hard to be what her town says she should be. But she doesn't know what she really wants and more or who she is and that's before the memory eater takes some of her memories. The writing is solid, the characters are good, and the plot is moving. I would recommend this novel.

I give this book a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library. 

The Dragon's Promise

Today's post is on The Dragon's Promise by Elizabeth Lim. It is 484 pages long and is published by Knopf Books for Young Readers. The cover has Shiori and Seryu with a black pearl in her arms. As it is the second volume of the duology, you need to have read the first volume to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes re-telling of fairy tales and adventure stories with mild romance. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild action violence in this book. The story is told from first person close of Shiori. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- A journey to the kingdom of dragons, a star-crossed love, and a cursed pearl with the power to mend the world or break it...
Princess Shiori made a deathbed promise to return the dragon's pearl to its rightful owner, but keeping that promise is more dangerous than she ever imagined.
She must journey to the kingdom of dragons, navigate political intrigue among humans and dragons alike, fend off thieves who covet the pearl for themselves and will go to any lengths to get it, all while cultivating the appearance of a perfect princess to dissuade those who would see her burned at the stake for the magic that runs in her blood.
The pearl itself is no ordinary cargo; it thrums with malevolent power, jumping to Shiori's aid one minute, and betraying her the next—threatening to shatter her family and sever the thread of fate that binds her to her true love, Takkan. It will take every ounce of strength Shiori can muster to defend the life and the love she's fought so hard to win.

Review- This book picks up right where the last one left with Shioro and Seryu going to the Dragon Kingdom for help. But the dragons are not pleased with her or that Seryu is helping her. The pearl is wanted by more than just demons and the dragon it belongs to, everyone wants the pearl and the power it holds. So Shiori has to fight to get the pearl back to the right dragon, with only her brothers and Takkan to help her. This book was fine but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one. I think that it was a slower start than I was expecting. The ending was good with all the plot threads tied up. I would read another book by this author. 

I give this book a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal Edition, Vol. 1 by Naoko Takeuchi

Today's post is on Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal Edition, Vol. 1 by Naoko Takeuchi. It is 304 pages long and is published by Kodansha Comics. The cover has Sailor Moon on it. The intended reader is someone who likes classic, groundbreaking shojo manga. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this series The story is told from third person close of mainly Usagi but some other characters pov's are added for plot. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

Blurb- The Guardians in sailor suits return in this definitive edition of the greatest magical girl manga of all time! Featuring an extra-large size, premium paper, and and all-new translation and cover illustrations by creator Naoko Takeuchi!
Teenager Usagi is not the best athlete, she's never gotten good grades, and, well, she's a bit of a crybaby. But when she meets a talking cat, she begins a journey that will teach her she has a well of great strength just beneath the surface and the heart to inspire and stand up for her friends as Sailor Moon!

Review- This is an incredible manga and an incredible edition. Usagi is a loafer, she just goes through life without much thought and no plans. When she helps a black cat, the cat, Luna, tells her that is a warrior called a Sailor Scout, in fact is the guardian of the moon, Sailor Moon. She has a lot to do now, she has to find the other sailor scouts, the silver crystal, and the princess! Add in Usagi over-blown romantic imagination and we have the most famous magical girl manga of all time. Everything about this manga is great, in my opinion, from the art, the plot, and the characters are just top of the line. Usagi is so cute, she is over her head but she is trying her best, even if that best is crying her eyes out. I have never read all of Sailor Moon and I look forward to following Usagi and her friends into an adventure that changed the face of an entire genre. 

I give this manga a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

Captive Hearts, vol 1

Today's post is on Captive Hearts, vol 1 by Matsuri Hino. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has the two main characters on it in faux Victorian dress. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo manga, romance manga, and fantasy manga. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the male lead, Megumi. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Careless Megumi Kuroishi was living a life of luxury until the day a girl named Suzuka Kogami walked into this life. All of a sudden, Megumi finds himself kneeling at Suzuka's feet and prostrating himself like a servant! What Megumi doesn't know (until that very moment anyway) is that his family is cursed to follow the orders of the Kogami family.
Being carried around everywhere and having handsome Megumi act like a slave may seem ideal, but Suzuka just wishes he would stop. Can anything be done about Megumi's captive state? Or is Megumi doomed to see Suzuka as his master... forever?

Review- This is a very cute manga about two young adults trying to make the best of a cursed life. Suzuka doesn't want to have a lifelong servant and Megumi doesn't want to have his life revolve around her. But they have a personal connection and they want to have more. The manga in this first volume is more comedy with Megumi getting into funny situations with Suzuka and having to get out of them. The curse is only talked about in passing but Suzuka wants to find a way break the curse and free the Kuroishi family. At the end there are two short stories about young love and they are cute and quick reads. I would recommend this first volume for all shojo manga lovers. 

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess

Today's post is on Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan. It is 512 pages long and is published by Harper Voyager. The cover is a beautiful art piece with the moon, flower, and the main character, Xingyin in the center. There is some mild foul language, no sex, and violence in this novel. The intended reader is someone who likes fantasy novels, Chinese fantasy, and reimagining of mythology. The story is told from first person perspective of the main character, Xingyin. There Be Spoiler Ahead.

From the dust jacket- A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang'e, the Chinese moon goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.
Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.
Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.
To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.

Review- This is a marvelous, sweeping, epic tale of a young immortal trying to get justice for her mother and find herself in the process. As a huge fan of Chinese mythology and storytelling, I had a wonderful time with this novel. It is has everything I wanted- from epic battles, first love, impossible quests, and magic. Xingyin is the hidden daughter of the Moon Goddess and a heroic human. The Celestial Empire cannot even know of her existence. But when she is forced to flee her home, she decides to make her own way and free her mother. Everything about this novel is just the best. The story, the writing, the characters, I loved it all and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second volume. If you like fantasy at all then you need to read this novel. 

I give this novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library. 

The Dragon Knight's Beloved, vol 1

Today's post is on The Dragon Knight's Beloved, vol 1 by Asagi Orikawa. It is 195 pages long and is published by Seven Seas. The cover has the two main characters, Melissa and Hubert, with his white dragon behind them. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The intended reader is someone who likes high fantasy and shojo manga. The story is told from third person close of Melissa. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- A Girl Beloved by Dragons

Melissa is a maid-in-training at the royal castle, where her greatest joy is caring for the majestic steeds of the Dragon Knights. Her coming-of-age ceremony is fast approaching, and with it comes the need to decide what path her future will take. Melissa shares a special bond of friendship with Commander Hubert, the handsome knight who rides the mightiest of dragons, but their relationship is about to get complicated. Newly returned from a dangerous mission, Hubert makes a shocking request: Would Melissa pretend to be his lover, and move to his country estate, where wild dragons roam?

Review- A good start to a new series. Melissa is one of the few people that can be around dragon safely, they seem to like her., including the queen of dragon. So when her friend Hubert needs someone to pretend to be his lover, she is best choice. Of course, he has feelings for her and she doesn't know that, add in his older brother's fiancée, who is more than a little suspicious and that is the plot set up. The art is just amazing with so much detail and expression from all the character, including the dragons. The story is just getting started but there is more than just a love story going on. There is some political stuff happening in the back ground and neither of the main characters know about it. I like all the characters, the setting, and the plot so far, so I am interested in seeing where this goes. 

I give this manga a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

I Swear I Won't bother You Again!, vol 1

 

Today's post is on I Swear I Won't Bother You Again, vol 1 by Reina Soratani and art by Haru Harukawa. It is 180pages long and is published by Seven Seas. The cover has the main character, Violette holding a book on it. The intended reader is someone who likes fantasy novels, isekai stories, and shojo manga. There is no foul language, no sex, and very mild violence in this manga. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- A Chance to Set Things Right
The proud and beautiful daughter of the duke, Violette, has been thrown into prison after committing a crime of passion out of jealousy towards her half-sister, Maryjune. Condemned to jail time, Violette reflects on her actions and repents for her sins. As she does so, time begins to rewind and Violette returns to one year ago, when she first met her sister. Violette determines not go down the wrong path this time, and to become a nun instead. However, contrary to her wishes, she still ends up attracting all the wrong kinds of attention...?!

Review- A strong start to a new series. We begin after everything has gone down and Violette is in prison, just waiting to die. She reflects on her life and why she made the choices that led her there. When she wakes up in her past, Violette resolves to not make the same mistakes, to try and distance herself from the people who drove her into a jealous rage. But the change in her behavior attracts attention. That is mostly the first volume, some world building but lots of character development for Violette and some of the side characters. I like that the author addresses the change in Violette would make those around act differently too, most of these types of stories don't directly address that. So that is one thing that makes this manga unique. The art is good, the characters have layers that the reader starts to see as the story goes on, and the plot is interesting. I look forward to see what is going to happen next. 

I give this manga a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter, vol 2

 

Today's post is on Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter, vol 2 by Reia and illustrations by Haduki Futaba. It is 242 pages long and is published by Airship. The cover has Iris, Dean, and Berne on it, looking very glamorous. As is it the second volume in the series, you need to have read the first novel to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes political books with a light side of romance and court drama. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this novel. The story is mostly told from first person perspective of Iris with some parts of chapters told from third person close of different characters for world and character building. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- The Perils of High Society
When Iris was expelled from the royal academy, she was banished from high society. Two years later, she may be the beloved acting governor of Armelia and president of a flourishing company, but she dares not consort with the rest of the nobility. Now she's received an invitation to the annual Foundation Day celebration- an invitation from the royal family no less, who she cannot afford to refuse/ Thrust into the fray of society politics, Iris must rapidly learn to stand her ground, lest she lost everything she's worked so hard to build. 

Review- This volume starts to have lots more of the court and political drama, as Iris is back in the capital by invitation from the queen dowager. In the capital, Iris doesn't waste her time and does more than just go to parties. She gets a feel for what is going on between the two princes and what the 'heroine' is doing. Then someone starts to move against her and tries to have her removed from the state church. With the help of her friends and the work she has done, Iris able to save her family and reputation. This volume has good character, plot, and world growth, and the reader gets a sense of how much time has passed from the beginning of the story. I really enjoyed this volume with all the things that I have listed above. Things are moving in the background of the story that is going to be very interesting to see what is going to happen. 

I give this novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this novel with my own money.

A Conjuring of Light

 

Today's post is on A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab. The cover is white with a red throne and a black figure sitting on the throne. It is 624 pages long and is published by Tor. As it is the third novel in her A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy, you need to have read the first two novels to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes fantasy novels, unique magic systems, and interesting characters.  There is mild foul language, mild sex, and violence in this novel. The story is told from third person close of the characters, moving as the story needs. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- Witness the fate of beloved heroes- and enemies.
The balance of power has finally tipped...
The precarious equilibrium among the four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise.
Who will crumble?
Kell- once assumed to be the last surviving Antari- begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. And in the wake of tragedy, can Arnes survive?
Who will rise?
Lila Bard, once a commonplace- but never common- thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trails. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting to race against time to acquire the impossible.
Who will take control?
And an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown while a fallen hero tries to save a world in decay.

Review- A wonderful conclusion to a great series. All the threads come together in this novel and it is a beautiful picture and a great adventure. All the character come together to stop Osaron, a piece of corrupt magic, from destroying Red London, just like he did Black London once. Getting them to work together is hard with Lila wanting to kill Holland for being Osaron into Red London and Kell just trying to stay alive for Rhy. We learn more about Holland and what his life was like as an Antari in White London and all the blood his has spilled, his own and others. We get to see more of the world outside of Red London and how life is outside of the capital city. The last battle is good and quick, which I liked because there was just no need to draw it out. The ending was satisfying and I like where the story left the characters. I highly recommend this series. 

I give this novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this book with my own money. 

Frau Faust, Vol. 2

Today’s post is on Frau Faust, Vol. 2 by Kore Yamazaki. 160 pages long and is published by Kodansha Comics. The cover has Faust, Marion, and Mephisto on it. As it is the second volume in the series you need to have read the first volume to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this manga. The intended reader is someone who likes fairy tale retellings and adventure manga. The story is told from third person close of mostly Faust but other characters as needed. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Personal Demons

After narrowly escaping a battle with Lorenzo, Johanna falls unconscious. In her wounded state, the century- old memories of her first contract with Mephistopheles runs through her head. In these memories are answers Marion is beginning to understand: what is the nature of his master’s immortality, and how is her curse inextricably tied to the body of her demon? Faust, Marion, and Nico’s immediate aim is to find Mephisto’s right led, a mission that becomes more urgent when evidence of a young girl using demonic power comes to light. To find the next piece of her precious demon, Johanna may even need to form a tenuous deal with Lorenzo…

Review- A good second volume. Faust dreams about her past when she met Mephistopheles for the first time and all the times after until they made a contract. We get to see what drives her and how that has changed her. There is much we don't know yet but the journey is great and I like the characters. The world is becoming more complicated than the church characters would like but it is good to see them confront what lies they have been told and to see Faust overcome what stands before her. The child eating the demon blood is not the one who is the bad guy but it will be interesting to see how everything comes to light. 

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

Fiancée of the Wizard Manga, Vol. 2

Today’s post is on Fiancée of the Wizard Manga, Vol. 2 by Masaki Kazuka (Illustrator), Syuri Nakamura (Original Creator), Keiko Sakano (Character Design). It is 176 pages long and is published by Yen Press. The cover has the two main characters in their wedding clothes. The intended reader is someone who has read the first volume, likes shojo manga, and isekai stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and very mild violence. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- An ordinary story with an extraordinary love...

With Egiedeyrus's time at school behind him, he's quickly appointed as the prestigious

Chief Enchanter to the Court. Though Filimena hopes their nuptials will soon follow, Edy's busy work schedule continues to obstruct their time together. Despite setbacks, Filimena is content to wait, but the evolution of her new life takes an ominous turn with news of the Lord of Darkness's resurrection...The worst is still yet to come, however, as Edy must join the Hero's party on a quest to save the kingdom!

Review- An excellent continuation from the first volume. Most of this volume is the quest to defeat the Dark Lord but we get to see how much Edy loves Filimena and what he is willing to risk to get back home to her. It is a fun volume that ends with their marriage. We also see the hero of light and I like him. He is not put off by Edy’s rough personality or his black hair that causes Edy no end of trouble. The bad guy is beaten and the lovebirds get married at the end. Edy now has a cool new scar from the adventure. Filimena has some character growth as she has to deal with thinking that Ey has died on the adventure. But I was proud of her, as she faces herself and comes out stronger for it. I am very curious about where the story is going to go from this point on. I recommend this series.

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

Over the Woodward Wall

Today’s post is on Over the Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker. It is 204 pages long and is published by Tor. The cover is orange with a wall in the center and two children sitting on top of the wall. The intended reader is someone who likes portal fantasies like Wizard of Oz. It is the first in the The Up-and-Under series. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this novel. The story is told from third person close of the characters moving as the story does. There Be Spoilers Ahead. 

From the dust jacket- Avery is an exceptional child. Everything he does is precise, from the way he washes his face in the morning, to the way he completes his homework – without complaint, without fuss, without prompt.

Zib is also an exceptional child, because all children are, in their own way. But where everything Avery does and is can be measured, nothing Zib does can possibly be predicted, except for the fact that she can always be relied upon to be unpredictable.

They live on the same street.

They live in different worlds.

On an unplanned detour from home to school one morning, Avery and Zib find themselves climbing over a stone wall into the Up and Under – an impossible land filled with mystery, adventure and the strangest creatures.

And they must find themselves and each other if they are to also find their way out and back to their own lives.

Review- As someone who really likes portal fantasies and loves the novels of the Wizard of Oz this was a wonderful novel that I enjoyed very much. Zib and Avery are trying to get to school when a wall stands in their way and because they are children and they need to get to school, they climb over the wall and into another world called the Up-and-Under. It is a place where girls can become crows, owls come in all colors, and the only way to get home is to find the Queen of Wands in the Impossible City on the Improbable Road. The writing is excellent, the story is fun and safe for all readers, and the characters are fun. I am very excited to see Baker a.k.a. Seanan McGuire take on the Wizard of Oz and all the tropes with it, the second volume cannot come out soon enough. 

I give this novel a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this novel from my local library.

Hunter's Prayer

Today’s post is on Hunter's Prayer by Lilith Saintcrow. It is  329 pages long and is published by Orbit Books. The cover is purple with Jill in the center. It is the second in Saintcrow’s Jill Kismet series. The intended reader is someone who has read the first volume likes gritty urban fantasy, and tough female leads. There is foul language, sex and sexuality, and lots of violence in this novel. The story is told from first person close of Jill. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Another night on the Nightside...An ancient evil looms over Santa Luz. Prostitutes are showing up dead and eviscerated. And Jill Kismet just might be able to get her revenge against an old enemy.

There's just one problem. Someone wants Jill dead--again. And if they have to open up Hell itself to kill her, they will.

"Sometimes, even when you're Jill Kismet, you don't have a prayer..."

Review- A wonderful second volume in a fast paced series. This a fast ride of a novel with Jill starting hunting and ending in a bad emotional place. We are still getting to know her and what has happened to her in the past. We see more of her life before she was a hunter and how it affects her. There is some great world building in this volume with more about the different power players around Jill. Jill and Saul’s relationship is more concrete but it is not the focus of the story. Killing the bad guys is the focus and there are so many to choose from. If you like fast, action based urban fantasy then you need to read this series.

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this novel with my own money.

 

Infinite

Today’s post is on Infinite by Jodi Meadows. It is 418 pages long and is published by Katherine Tegen Books. The cover has Ana on it with feathers around her eyes. As it is the third volume in the Newsoul Trilogy you need to have read the first two in order to understand the story. There is no foul language, implied sex, and mild violence in this novel. The story is told first person close of Ana. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book-DESTRUCTION

The Year of Souls begins with an earthquake—an alarming rumble from deep within the earth—and it’s only the first of greater dangers to come. The Range caldera is preparing to erupt. Ana knows that as Soul Night approaches, everything near Heart will be at risk.
FLIGHT

Ana’s exile is frightening, but it may also be fortuitous, especially if she can convince her friends to flee Heart and Range with her. They’ll go north, seeking answers and allies to stop Janan’s ascension. And with any luck, the newsouls will be safe from harm’s reach.
CHOICE

The oldsouls might have forgotten the choice they made to give themselves limitless lifetimes, but Ana knows the true cost of reincarnation. What she doesn’t know is whether she’ll have the chance to finish this one sweet life with Sam, especially if she returns to Heart to stop Janan once and for all.

Review- A wonderful, intense conclusion to a very fun trilogy. We pick up right from the end of the second volume and we never slow down from there. Ana has so much to do to stop the bad guy and she has no time to do it in. She has to find a way to stop Janan, protect the Newsouls, herself, and maybe save the rest of the world too. Big job but Ana is up for it. Lots of action, some sweet moments between her and Sam, and some answers about what happened 5,000 ago. But thing one is not answered: that is why did Ana’s father researched the poison in the first place and what was he going to do with it other than use it on Janan. But overall, this is a good final volume and I would recommend this series if you are looking for a YA fantasy novel. I had a good time reading this series. 

I give this novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this novel with my own money.

MIddlegame

Today’s post is on MIddlegame by Seanan McGuire. It is 523 pages long and is published by Tor. the cover is a Hand of Glory burning. The intended reader is someone who likes Frankenstein, urban fantasy, and stories told out of order. There is mild foul language, no sex, and violence in this novel. The story is told from third person close of the different characters as the story moves. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- Meet Roger. Skilled with words, languages come easily to him. He instinctively understands how the world works through the power of story.

Meet Dodger, his twin. Numbers are her world, her obsession, her everything. All she understands, she does so through the power of math.

Roger and Dodger aren’t exactly human, though they don’t realise it. They aren’t exactly gods, either. Not entirely. Not yet.

Meet Reed, skilled in the alchemical arts like his progenitor before him. Reed created Dodger and her brother. He’s not their father. Not quite. But he has a plan: to raise the twins to the highest power, to ascend with them and claim their authority as his own.

Godhood is attainable. Pray it isn’t attained.

Review- This is one of the most incredible books I have ever read. To put it simply this is McGuire’s Frankenstein, as she is telling the story of alchemy and made people and magical science. The twins Rodger and Dodger are created to embody the Doctrine of Ethos, which is basically one of them is all language and the other one is all math. Between the two of them they can describe the entire world and control it. Which is what the man who made them wants to, he wants to control the world. Reed is a very good villain, as a mad scientist should be, but he is as hollow as a made creature. The plot is following Rodger and Dodger as they grow up and manifest into the Doctrine. The story is not told in order, it skips and starts and restarts and as you go through the book you will discover why and that is part of what makes this book work so well. McGuire has won a lot of awards for this book but in my opinion she did not win enough for it.  She created something so incredible, she has recreated Frankenstein in Mary Shelley's likeness but has taken it to another level. If you have never read any books by McGuire then I would strongly recommend you try this one. It is absolutely amazing, the writing is incredible, and the story is breathtaking. 

 I give this book a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.

Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 12

Today’s post is on Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 12 by Mizuho Kusanagi. I tis 200 pages long and is published by SHojo Beat. The cover has Yona dressed in her fire festival costume with a sword. As it is the  twelve in the long running series you need to have read the first eleven to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and very mild violence in this manga. The story is from third person close of the different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book -Yona returns to her homeland when the Hazara Clan, a powerful family in the nation of Kai, invades the Kingdom of Kohka! How will the Fire Tribe defend against this audacious attack, and what will Yona resort to in order to protect Saika?!

Review- Yona and company have learned a great deal in their time in the Kingdom Kai but when they see soldiers heading for Kohka and Yona gets a bad feeling they head back home. One of the generals for Kohka has decided to attack to try and kill Su-Won to take the kingdom for himself. One much in plot or character development in this volume more setting the stage for the next big arc which I guess is going to be a battle. We spend a lot of time with other characters like the general so that we know things that Yona doesn’t. I am curious about what is going to happen. 

I give this manga a Five out Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

Sorcerous Stabber Orphen Vol. 2

Today’s post is on Sorcerous Stabber Orphen Vol. 2: Heed My Call, Beast! Part 2 by Yoshinobu Akita and Muraji.  It is 180 pages long and is published by Seven Seas. The cover has Orphen, Azalie and Childman on it. As it is the second volume of the series you need to have read the first volume to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who has read the first volume, likes high fantasy and action manga. There is no foul language, no sex, and fantasy violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of Orphen. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- BLOODY REUNION
It’s been five years since Orphen last saw his dear friend Azalie–and now he finds her, twisted into a deadly monster. The sorcerous Tower of Fangs is sending out an extermination squad to claim her head, and its leader wields the very sword that transformed Azalie in the first place. No matter the risks, Orphen’s not about to give up on the woman he loves. He joins the monster hunters, secretly waiting for his chance to break the curse! 

Review- An excellent conclusion to this short series. Orphen gets his answers about what happened and he saves Azalie but it does not look like what he expected it to. There is not much else in this volume other than plot wrapping up and more magic in this world. There are so many different kinds of magic that I would have liked to get more into it but as it is only two volumes long something had to be sacrificed. But all plot threads are tied off and Orphen and friends ride off into the sunset to have more adventures that I would love to see. If you are looking for a fun short series then you should give Sorcerous Stabber Orphen a try.

I give this manga a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

The Ancient Magus' Bride, vol. 4

Today’s post is on The Ancient Magus' Bride, vol. 4  by Kore Yamazaki. It is 184 pages long and is published by Seven Seas Publishing. The cover has Chise and Elias on it sitting on a bridge. As it is the fourth volume in the series you need to have read the first three to understand what is going on. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The intended reader is someone who has read the first three volumes and likes manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character Chise. There Be Spoilers Ahead. 

From the back of the book- "I am not alone."

Chise has been summonsed to the Dragon Aerie to begin crafting her very own wand, but her journey has more to offer than she had anticipated: magical wonders, enlightening visions, and perhaps most importantly, insight into Elias' past and the secrets he has been reluctant to reveal about himself.

Yet while Chise finds some answers about the inhuman mage's history, mysterious beings are displaying an unexpected interest in Chise herself. 

Review- This volume picks up right where volume three left off with Chise learning about Elias’ past. His teacher is still getting Chise's meddle and is starting to see why Elias has chosen her to be his apprentice. Not a lot of plot happens in this volume, but a lot of setting, world building, and character development. Chise learns that she is more than just a replaceable mistake. She has value in herself, and others see value in her as well. I like the way that Chise is growing, she is becoming very interesting and it will be interesting to see where she ends up at the end of the series. A solid volume in the series. 

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.