The Last Shield by Cameron Johnston - A Review

 

Hello everyone & Happy Tuesday!!

Today I want to share with you a small review for The Last Shield by Cameron Johnston. This is a gender-flipped Die Hard set in a mysterious castle. It is  an engaging fantasy read, perfect for fans of John Gwynne and Mark Lawrence.

The book was released in August 2024 by @angryrobotbooks

I really enjoyed reading this book. At the beginning I found it a little bit slow but then it picks up and it has intense action. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. It is a standalone with a very satisfying ending. 

I also really liked that it has complex female protagonists, strong character development and characters that you care for. 

The themes of the book are Loyalty, duty, survival, true grit, vengeance and dark magic.

I would really like to see more stories in this world so we can learn more about its lore.

Rating : 4 Stars

About the book:

The ancient forest realm of Sunweald is bordered on two sides by far mightier nations – a precarious situation. At its centre, the Sunweald Palace is home to the Lord Regent and the heir to the throne, together with numerous precious and powerful artefacts. The Palace is protected by the realm's elite Shields, dedicated to guarding the royal line against all foes.

A group of vicious brigands called the Wildwood Reivers have been stealing arcane artefacts and smuggling them across the borders, out of Sunweald. And the objects they most desire are stored in the mystical Wyrm Vault, hidden away deep in the bones of the earth, within the walls of the Palace itself.

As political and religious tensions mount, Sunweald's druids prepare to enact rituals for the Summer Solstice – but the Wildwood Reivers and their treacherous allies have other plans. It falls to Briar, the commander of the Shields, to defend the ancient corridors and secret tunnels of the Palace. The odds may be against her, but she'll see every enemy head adorning a spike or she'll die trying…

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

Athina

Malice (The Faithful & the Fallen #1) by John Gwynne - A Review

“Both the brave man and the coward feel the same. The only difference between them is that the brave man faces his fear, does not run.”

― John Gwynne, Malice

I had heard many great things about Malice by John Gwynne and the whole series, The Faithful and the Fallen in general, and after reading it , I can see why. 

This is an excellent book in my opinion. The world building, the writing style and the characters are amazing. 

Needless to say that I loved Malice and I cannot wait to continue with the series. 

This wasn't the first book by John Gwynne that I read (The Shadow of the Gods was) and I knew what to expect from him to be honest. He still however managed to pleasantly surprise me. 

Malice is a gripping and epic fantasy novel that will captivate anyone who craves a richly detailed world of high-stakes adventure, mythical creatures, and apocalyptic prophecy, making it a perfect fit for fans of dark, intense, and action-packed storytelling.

The main trope of the book is Good vs Evil and John Gwynne manages to make it very unique despite being a very common trope in epic fantasy books. The story is told through many POVs and each one of them is interesting. The book is medium paced but also adventurous, tense and a little bit dark. It is mainly character driven with a great character development and characters that you care for. 

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

The Banished Lands has a violent past where armies of men and giants clashed in battle. An uneasy peace reigns, but now giants stir once more, the very stones weep blood and there are sightings of gigantic worms. Those who can still read the signs see a prophecy realised: sorrow will darken the world, as angels and demons make it their battlefield.

Young Corban watches enviously as boys become warriors and yearns to join them, determined that he will make his family proud. It is only when everything he knows is threatened that he discovers the true cost of becoming a man.

As the Kings look to their borders, and priests beg answers from the Gods, only a chosen few know that the fate of the world will be decided between two champions, the Black Sun and the Bright Star. And with their coming will be a war to end all wars.

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

Athina

Not in love by Ali Hazelwood - A Review

 “If you still want me to love you, I really think I can love you back. Because I already do.” Two tears streaked her cheekbones. “And if you don’t, I guess I’ll be loving you anyway.”

― Ali Hazelwood, Not in Love

Another book that I read earlier in the summer was Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood. After reading a couple of her books she has become one of my autobuy authors for romance books. 

I love her writing style and the way she mixes science into her stories. 

In Not in Love we have our two main characters Sue and Eli, who are having a secret affair, no-strings-attached, that has a built-in deadline: the day one of their companies will prevail. But the heart is risky business—one that plays for keeps.

This one was more steamier than the other books of her that I have read so far but that didn't bother me at all. The book is emotional but at the same time funny and I really liked the character development. 

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

Rue Siebert might not have it all, but she has enough: a few friends she can always count on, the financial stability she yearned for as a kid, and a successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most promising start-ups in the field of food science. Her world is stable, pleasant, and hard-fought. Until a hostile takeover and its offensively attractive front man threatens to bring it all crumbling down.

Eli Killgore and his business partners want Kline, period. Eli has his own reasons for pushing this deal through—and he’s a man who gets what he wants. With one burning exception: Rue. The woman he can’t stop thinking about. The woman who’s off-limits to him.

Torn between loyalty and an undeniable attraction, Rue and Eli throw caution out the lab and the boardroom windows. Their affair is secret, no-strings-attached, and has a built-in deadline: the day one of their companies will prevail. But the heart is risky business—one that plays for keeps.

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

Athina

The Fury Of The Gods (The Bloodsworn Saga #3) by John Gwynne - A Review

 

"The final battle for the fate of Vigrid approaches"

Happy Release Day to John Gwynne for The Fury of the Gods, the final installment of the Bloodsworn Saga. 

The first two books in the series were 5 Star reads for me and this one couldn't be an exception. I read an eARC of it thanks to Orbit and to sum up my thoughts in one sentence: I loved it! It was the conclusion that this trilogy and our characters deserved. 

The fury of the Gods is a Norse-inspired epic fantasy set in the fictional lands of Vigrið and if you are looking for a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy you will find it here. The whole trilogy is a story of friendship,found family, loyalty and honour.

From the beginning of the trilogy my favourite characters were Orka and Varg and that didn't stop . I loved them even more now and their character development was perfect.

The author knows how to write epic battles scenes and this book has plenty of them. 

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

Varg has overcome the trials of his past and become an accepted member of the Bloodsworn, but now he and his newfound comrades face their biggest challenge yet: slaying a dragon.

Elvar is struggling to consolidate her power in Snakavik, where she faces threats from within and without. As she fights to assert her authority in readiness for the coming conflict, she faces a surely insurmountable task: reining in the ferocity of a wolf god.

As Biorr and his warband make their way north, eager for blood, Gudvarr pursues a mission of his own, hoping to win Lik-Rifa's favour and further his own ambitions.

All paths lead to Snakavik, where the lines are being drawn for the final battle - a titanic clash that will shake the foundations of the world, and bear witness to the true fury of the gods.

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

Athina

A Rivalry of Hearts (Fae Flings and Corset Strings #1) by Tessonja Odette - Book Review

 

"Two rival writers.

One prestigious publishing contract.

A bargain of hearts and seduction.

They say never bargain with the fae. They also say don’t get drunk on fae wine. Yet romance author Edwina Danforth has managed a blunder with both on her first visit to the infamous faelands."

After reading these first two lines from the synopsis, I knew that I wanted to read this book.

I am talking about A rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette, which is a spicy standalone adult fantasy romcom in the Fae Flings and Corset Strings series.

Every book in the series can be read on its own in any order and ends with a HEA. If you like academic rivals, enemies to lovers, and quirky heroines, then you’ll love this sizzling tale.

Also The Fae Flings and Corset Strings series is set in the same world as The Fair Isle Trilogy and Entangled with Fae . 

I really enjoyed reading A Rivalry of Hearts. It was the first book that I read from the author and now I am intrigued to read more books by her. 

This book is at the same time cozy and spicy with great character dynamics and a very interesting world. I especially liked the banter between our main characters and the trope of enemies to lovers was done really well by the author. 

A Rivalry of Hearts is a perfect for readers who like lighthearted, humorous romance with a touch of fantasy, particularly those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers and rivals-to-lovers tropes, as well as the magical world of fae, and are looking for a sizzling, standalone tale with a happy-ever-after ending.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

They say never bargain with the fae. They also say don’t get drunk on fae wine. Yet romance author Edwina Danforth has managed a blunder with both on her first visit to the infamous faelands. Now she's trapped in a magic-fueled bet she barely remembers with a man she’d be happier to forget. The terms? Whoever can bed the most lovers during their month-long dueling book tour wins a coveted publishing contract.

The win should be easy for Edwina. She’s known for penning scintillating tales of whirlwind romance. There’s just one her imagination vastly exceeds her bedroom experience. But when failure means plummeting her career back into obscurity, losing isn’t an option.

Her handsome fae rival, William Haywood, poses an even greater challenge. Not only are his looks as aggravatingly perfect as his track record behind closed doors, but he has his own reasons for playing to win, and he won’t go down without a fight. Unless, of course, it’s a different kind of going down. In that case, he’s fair game.

Edwina and William clash in a rivalry of romance. But what happens when their objects of desire…turn out to be each other?

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

Athina

***

Thank you The Nerd Fam for the gifted ARC. 

Upheaval: How Nations Cope with Crisis and Change by Jared Diamond. - A Review

 

Today I wanted to share with you a small book review about a non fiction book that I recently read and found interesting. 

I am talking about Upheaval: How Nations Cope with Crisis and Change by Jared Diamond. 

This book is part of a trilogy called Civilizations Rise and Fall, but you don't need to read the previous two in order to understand this one. 

This is a challenging exploration of the human capacity for resilience and transformation and it offers a gripping and insightful journey through the stories of seven countries that have navigated catastrophic upheavals, revealing timeless lessons for individuals and nations seeking to thrive in the face of adversity.

The author traces how six distinctive modern nations - Finland, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Germany and Australia - have survived defining catastrophes, and identifies patterns in their recovery. Looking ahead, he investigates the risk that the United States and other countries, faced by grave threat, are set on a course towards catastrophe.

Rating: 3 Stars

About the book:

Author of the landmark international bestsellers Guns, Germs and Steel and Collapse, Jared Diamond has transformed our understanding of what makes civilizations rise and fall. Now, at a time when crises are erupting around the world, he explores what makes certain nations resilient, and reveals the factors that influence how nations and individuals can respond to enormous challenges.

In a riveting journey into the recent past, he traces how six distinctive modern nations - Finland, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Germany and Australia - have survived defining catastrophes, and identifies patterns in their recovery. Looking ahead, he investigates the risk that the United States and other countries, faced by grave threat, are set on a course towards catastrophe.

Adding a rich psychological dimension to the in-depth history, geography, biology and anthropology that underpin all of Diamond's writing, Upheaval is epic in scope, but also his most personal book yet.

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

Athina

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

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

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

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

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

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