The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of Air #3) by Holly Black - A Review

 “By you, I am forever undone.”

― Holly Black, The Queen of Nothing

Earlier in the summer I finally finished The Folk of the Air trilogy by reading the last book in the series, The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black of course.

I really enjoyed reading it and it was really nice to be back in this world with Cardan and Jude. 
It is a gripping and intense read with complex characters, morally ambiguous themes, and the forbidden love trope. It is fast paced and action packed which I really liked. 

For me it was the perfect conclusion to the story and the character development.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

After being pronounced Queen of Faerie and then abruptly exiled by the Wicked King Cardan, Jude finds herself unmoored, the queen of nothing. She spends her time with Vivi and Oak, watches her fair share of reality television, and does the odd job or two, including trying to convince a cannibalistic faerie from hunting her own in the mortal world.

When her twin sister Taryn shows up asking of a favor, Jude jumps at the chance to return to the Faerie world, even if it means facing Cardan, who she loves despite his betrayal.

When a dark curse is unveiled, Jude must become the first mortal Queen of Faerie and uncover how to break the curse, or risk upsetting the balance of the whole Faerie world.

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Witch Hat Atelier , vol. 3 by Kamome Shirahama - A Review

 

“Why does everyone else just assume we all see the world the same way?!”

― Kamome Shirahama, Witch Hat Atelier, vol. 3

The Witch Hat Atelier is the first manga I read and after finishing the 3rd volume I can say that it has become a favourite read. 

I liked it because it is a quick and sweet read about Coco and her will to become a witch and all the adventures she has in the process with her fellow apprentices and their master. 

Volume 3 was as fascinating as the other two and I need to continue asap because the ending left me with questions.

We get to see and understand more of our characters and the world building is explained better.

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

Cast yourself into the world of witches as Qifrey chases after the dark mysteries of the Brimmed Caps!

With some quick thinking and ingenuity, Coco and her fellow classmates use their growing magic skills to save some locals from a grim fate. But this triumph nearly turns to tragedy as the Knights Moralis threaten the young witches with severe punishment for disturbing the natural order of magic. Qifrey convinces the Knights to overlook this issue, but a peculiar happening related to this incident puts him onto the trail of the same forbidden magic that brought Coco into his atelier. This may be Qifrey's only chance to come into contact with the Brimmed Caps, but is he in over his head to engage in this treacherous pursuit on his own?

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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How the King of Elfhame Learned to HAte Stories (The Folk of Air #3.5) by Holly Black - A Review

 “A heart of stone can still be broken.”

― Holly Black, How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories is a collection of stories that reveal a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame’s enigmatic high king, Cardan. All these stories are told wholly from Cardan’s perspective.

It was a really enjoyable read and each chapter was paired with lavish and luminous full-color art, that made reading even better. 

Cardan is such an interesting character and I loved how we got a glimpse of his childhood from these stories and saw how (and why) his character developed through time.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

Return to the captivating world of Elfhame with this illustrated addition to the New York Times bestselling Folk of Air trilogy that began with The Cruel Prince, from award-winning author Holly Black.

Once upon a time, there was a boy with a wicked tongue.

Before he was a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was a faerie child with a heart of stone. #1 New York Times bestselling author, Holly Black reveals a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame's enigmatic high king, Cardan. This tale includes delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and familiar moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told wholly from Cardan's perspective.

This new installment in the Folk of the Air series is a return to the heart-racing romance, danger, humor, and drama that enchanted readers everywhere. Each chapter is paired with lavish and luminous full-color art, making this the perfect collector's item to be enjoyed by both new audiences and old.

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes 31) by Travis Baldree - A Review

 

“Things don’t have to stay as what they started out as.”

― Travis Baldree, Legends & Lattes

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is a cosy, heartwarming slice-of-life fantasy about found families and fresh starts – perfect for fans of TJ Klune, Katherine Addison and T. Kingfisher.

This book was on my tbr since its publication and I finally managed to read it this summer and I am glad I did. Legends & Lattes deserves all the hype around it. 

I found the premise of the book really interesting. Despite the obvious of opening a cafe in a fantasy world , this book is much more. It talks about how important friendship, found family, love and community are. 

I really liked the 

characters of the book Viv,Cal,Tandri, and Thimble as well as the dynamics between them.

While reading Legends & Lattes you get a nice warm a cosy feeling that I think is perfect for this time of the year (and not only). We all need a feel good book in our lives and this is one you do not want to miss. 

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

High fantasy, low stakes – with a double-shot of coffee.

After decades of adventuring, Viv the orc barbarian is finally hanging up her sword for good. Now she sets her sights on a new dream – for she plans to open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune. Even though no one there knows what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the past behind her, she can’t go it alone. And help might arrive from unexpected quarters. Yet old rivals and new stand in the way of success. And Thune’s shady underbelly could make it all too easy for Viv to take up the blade once more.

But the true reward of the uncharted path is the travellers you meet along the way. Whether bound by ancient magic, delicious pastries or a freshly brewed cup, they may become something deeper than Viv ever could have imagined.

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Evocation (The Summoner's Circle #1) by S.T. Gibson - A Review

"The Devil knows your name, David Aristarkhov."

Evocation by S.T. Gibson

Evocation is a really captivating and mysterious novel, with complex character dynamics. I really liked it and I will definitely read more in this world and from the author.
This is the first book in The Summoner's Circle and it is a queer fantasy romance book.

I really liked the writing style and the characters of the book. Rhys, Moira and David have really unique relationship dynamics. 
I loved the atmosphere of the book. It has gothic and dark academia vibes. 

I also want to mention that the book navigates complex themes around fidelity, addiction, and childhood abuse.

I am really looking forward to continue with the series.

Rating: 4 Stars 

About the book:

As a teen, David Aristarkhov was a psychic prodigy, operating under the shadow of his oppressive occultist father. Now, years after his father’s death and rapidly approaching his thirtieth birthday, he is content with the high-powered life he’s curated as a Boston attorney, moonlighting as a powerful medium for his secret society.

But with power comes a price, and the Devil has come to collect on an ancestral deal. David’s days are numbered, and death looms at his door.

Reluctantly, he reaches out to the only person he’s ever trusted, his ex-boyfriend and secret Society rival Rhys, for help. However, the only way to get to Rhys is through his wife, Moira. Thrust into each other’s care, emotions once buried deep resurface, and the trio race to figure out their feelings for one another before the Devil steals David away for good…

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Mistborn: The Final Empire (The Mistborn Saga #1) by Brandon Sanderson - A review

 “Our belief is often strongest when it should be weakest. That is the nature of hope.”

― Brandon Sanderson, The Final Empire

Well, I finally read Mistborn:The Final Empire, my first ever Brandon Sanderson book and I couldn't be happier. I loved everything about it. The story, the world-building, the magic system , the writing, the characters... I could go on forever...

Mistborn has a richly detailed world with a perfect heist plot. It is epic fantasy and is action-packed with a strong focus on character development and moral complexity.

The main plot of the book is a rebellion to overthrow the lord ruler and this rebellion is built around a heist.

If I had to pick a favourite thing from the book, that would be the magic system. Allomancy and Feruchemy are very unique magic systems which are easy to undrstand and they never stop to amaze you.

Finally, the ending of the book was just incredible. I couldn't have asked for a better one.

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

For a thousand years, ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years, the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years, the Lord Ruler reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when all hope was lost, the scarred, heartbroken half-Skaa Kelsier found in himself the powers of a Mistborn.

A brilliant thief and natural leader, Kelsier recruits the underworld's smartest and most trustworthy allomancers, who each share one of his many powers and relish a high-stakes challenge. Only then does he reveal his ultimate dream: not just the greatest heist in history, but the downfall of the divine despot.

But even with the best criminal crew ever assembled, Kel's plan looks like the ultimate long shot, until luck brings a ragged girl named Vin into his life. Like him, she's a half-Skaa orphan, but she's lived a much harsher life. Vin has learned to expect betrayal from everyone she meets. She will have to learn to trust, if Kel is to help her master powers that she’s never dreamed of.

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Before Your Memory Fades (Before Your Coffee Gets Cold #3) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi - A Review

 “Things that you put off saying until tomorrow are sometimes never said”

― Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Before Your Memory Fades

Before Your Memory Fades, is the 3rd installment in Before Your Coffee Gets Cold series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, and I really enjoyed it. We meet again our main characters but we also meet new ones with interesting and heartwarming stories. Despite some of its themes, this series always makes me fell cozy

.

The stories are emotional but at the same time hopeful and they explore the complexities of time, memory, and the power of second chances.

In this third book we are in a different setting than the 2 previous ones. We are in Café Donna Donna on the hillside of Mount Hakodate in Japan. This new setting adds more to the stories. 

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

The third novel in the international bestselling Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, following four new customers in a cafe where customers can travel back in time.

On the hillside of Mount Hakodate in northern Japan, Cafe Donna Donna is fabled for its dazzling views of Hakodate port. But that’s not all. Like the charming Tokyo cafe Funiculi Funicula, Cafe Donna Donna offers its customers the extraordinary experience of travelling through time.

From the author of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Tales from the Cafe comes another story of four new customers, each of whom is hoping to take advantage of the cafe's time-travelling offer. Among some familiar faces from Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s previous novels, readers will also be introduced to:

A daughter who begrudges her deceased parents for leaving her orphaned

A comedian who aches for his beloved and their shared dreams

A younger sister whose grief has become all-consuming

A young man who realizes his love for his childhood friend too late

Translated from Japanese by Geoffrey Trousselot and featuring signature heart-warming characters and wistful storytelling, in Before Your Memory Fades, Kawaguchi once again invites the reader to ask themselves: what would you change if you could travel back in time? 

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Silence is Silver (Shadowbinders #0.5) by Andrew Watson - A Review

 Hello everyone & Happy Thursday!!

Today's post is a mini review for Silence is Silver by Andrew Watson (@the_fools_tale). This is a prequel novella and takes place before the events of the Shadowbinders trilogy.

I read it as an eARC and loved it. I really like the writing style and the world building. Despite the fact that it is only a novella, it has its plot twists that keep you turning the pages. Silence is Silver is full of action and emotions.

You get to see how Bas became who he is and how his past shaped him as a character in Harbinger of Justice (book 1 in the series).

This novella can be read either before or after you read the first novel in the series.

Silence is Silver will be released tomorrow June 14th and you can read it for free if you subscribe to Andrew's newsletter.

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

The Urdahl believe pain is inevitable. But if one can lean into that suffering they can achieve anything.

Beneath the desert sands, Bas has spent his entire life training to become a fully-fledged Urdahl. And now his time has come to prove his worth. First, he must drink from the Seeing Bowl to clear his clouded mind and witness visions bestowed to him by ancient deities. Next, he must prove strength of body with the Passage of the High Pass. But destiny is shrouded in red and strength of arm will not be enough to survive its true tests.

Will he ascend to a full Urdahl or will his visions of blood come to pass?

The turning season has begun.

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Witch Hat Atelier , vol 2 by Kamome Shirahama, - A mini Review

 Hello everyone & Happy Thursday!!

Tell me a book that you recently gave it a 5 star rating.

The last book that I gave a 5 star rating, it was actually a manga. 

Last year I attempted to read my first ever manga and I chose Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama and I loved it. Several months later I picked volume 2 and I am still loving it. 

It is a very sweet story about a little girl, Coco, who loves magic and she wants to become a witch. However, things are not so simple as they sound and look. 

I really love how the story progresses and the characters, world building and magic system are incredible. 

I should stop now and go pick up volume 3.

Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis:

After traveling to the mystical township of Kalhn with her new master to buy a casting wand, a strange, masked witch transports Coco and her three sister apprentices to an eerily quiet city. But they soon find out that they're not alone, and they encounter a ferocious dragon! Do these fledgling witches have what it takes to defeat the fire-breathing beast, or will their plans and lives go up in flames?!

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Fathomfolk (Drowned World #1) by Eliza Chan - A Review

 

Fathomfolk is the first book in the Drowned World series by Eliza Chan and is a modern, myth-inflected story of revolution and magic set against the glittering, semi-submerged city of Tiankawi.

I enjoyed reading this one but it was not one of my favourites. I liked the characters, some more than others and I also liked the asian inspired setting and folklore. Mira and Kai were my favourites.

The book comments on social issues such as privilege, poverty, political exploitation and social hierarchy, and it does it really well.

However, I found it to be a little slow paced for my taste and towards the end I wanted more explanations. 

Rating: 3 Stars

About the book:

Welcome to Tiankawi – shining pearl of human civilization and a safe haven for those fleeing civil unrest. Or at least, that’s how it first appears.

 

But in the semi-flooded city, humans are, quite literally, on peering down from skyscrapers and aerial walkways on the fathomfolk — sirens, seawitches, kelpies and kappas—who live in the polluted waters below.

 

For half-siren Mira, promotion to captain of the border guard means an opportunity to reform. At last, she has the ear of the city council and a chance to lift the repressive laws that restrict fathomfolk at every turn. But if earning the trust and respect of her human colleagues wasn't hard enough, everything Mira has worked towards is put in jeopardy when a water dragon is exiled to the city.

 

New arrival Nami is an aristocratic water dragon with an opinion on everything. Frustrated by the lack of progress from Mira's softly-softly approach in gaining equality, Nami throws her lot in with an anti-human extremist group, leaving Mira to find the headstrong youth before she makes everything worse.

 

And pulling strings behind everything is Cordelia, a second-generation sea-witch determined to do what she must to survive and see her family flourish, even if it means climbing over the bodies of her competitors. Her political game-playing and underground connections could disrupt everything Nami and Mira are fighting for.

 

When the extremists sabotage the annual boat race, violence erupts, as does the clampdown on fathomfolk rights. Even Nami realizes her new friends are not what they seem. Both she and Mira must decide if the cost of change is worth it, or if Tiankawi should be left to drown.

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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