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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The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg - A Review

 Hello everyone & Happy Thursday!!

Today's post will be a review!

The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg (@gosalgo), is a mythic dark fantasy, equal parts smart, exhilarating, and delightfully fun. It examines identity, loneliness and forbidden love, in a stunning world with Thai demon folklore. 

The book was released on April 9th from Angry Robot (@angryrobotbooks)

I really liked reading this book. I loved the Thai & Southeast Asia inspired world building and the lore. The writing was really vibrant and the characters were both dark and funny. I really liked our MC Ex, who is very loveable.

If I had one complain it would be that towards the end I was a little bit confused but thankfully the ending was satisfying.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

Ambitious Phi Hunter and perpetual lone wolf, Ex, finds his road to glory interrupted when a heavily pregnant runaway enlists his help to escape through the ghost-infected forest…

Ex, the youngest member of the Phi Hunters Order, has spent his life slaying the ghosts and demons of Suyoram Kingdom. While he takes great pride in his mystical trade, collecting dwindling bounties and peddling butchered spirit organs lacks the glory he craves. He’s determined to hunt down Shar-Ala, a demon of nightmares, of madness – who has eluded even Ex’s masters.

In a provincial village along the way, Arinya, a charming muay-boran champion, saves him from an ass-kicking, despite being nine months pregnant. In return, she asks him to escort her through the dangerous, spirit-filled forest, where ghosts salivate over the scent of the unborn.

But as more of Arinya’s secrets emerge, and the elusive demon nears, Ex must face dangers from both men and monsters, or lose not only the respect of the Phi Hunters, but the Hunters themselves, along with the woman he’s trying not to fall in love with.

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

Athina

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Harbinger of Justice (Shadowbinders #1) by Andrew Watson - A Review

 Hello everyone & Happy Thursday!

I have a book review for you today. It is about Harbinger of Justice by Andrew Watson, which is the first book in the dark epic fantasy Shadowbinders series.

Upon the black sands and beneath the ever-watching eyes, a tale of shadow magic and ancient mysteries unfold.

After reading the synopsis of this book, I knew thatI would like it and of course I wasn't disappointed. I loved it and I cannot wait for the sequel to come out.

This is a really good debut novel and I really liked the writing style, as well as the world building (which is Egyptian inspired) and the lore behind it. I also rally enjoyed the characters and the found family trope. One of the things that I liked the most was the magic system that has to do with shadow magic. 

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

In the desert city of Yontar, Nya cares for her sick mother. But when Nya is arrested, her mother’s death is all but certain unless Nya joins a secret project that promises her freedom. If she survives. 

Rai, a mercenary, has a shadow dark enough for two. In his quest to discover the nature of the creature living in his shadow, Rai collides with old friends and new enemies, stumbling into an ancient mystery that could mean the end of the world as they know it. All the while, a darkness stirs and rebellion threatens, helmed by a man who promises justice will reign.

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

Athina

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A Curse For True Love (OUABH #3) by Stephanie Garber - A Review

 

“I am a monster, but whether you remember it or not, I’m your monster, Evangeline.”

― Stephanie Garber, A Curse for True Love

A Curse for True Love was the finale to a beloved trilogy that I was hoping for. Stephanie did again an amazing job with this book. 

We are back to the Magnificent North and follow Evangeline Fox as she tries to figure out what is happening and what has happened to her. 

As always I loved the writing style and the relationship dynamics between our characters. Evangeline and Jacks is a great combination and if I had to make one complaint about the book, it would be that I needed more scenes with these two together. 

It was a fast read and I wish that it wasn't because I didn't want it to end. 

I hope that we get more stories in the Magnificent North and see our characters again. 

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

Two villains, one girl, and a deadly battle for happily ever after.

Evangeline Fox ventured to the Magnificent North in search of her happy ending, and it seems as if she has it. She’s married to a handsome prince and lives in a legendary castle. But Evangeline has no idea of the devastating price she’s paid for this fairytale. She doesn’t know what she has lost, and her husband is determined to make sure she never finds out . . . but first he must kill Jacks, the Prince of Hearts.

Blood will be shed, hearts will be stolen, and true love will be put to the test in A Curse for True Love, the breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogy

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

Athina

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Bride by Ali Hazelwood - A review

 

“Maybe you're not meant for me the way I'm meant for you, but I'm going to choose you anyway, over and over and over again.”

― Ali Hazelwood, Bride

If you wanted to describe the book in just one sentence, you could say that it is a dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha werewolf. After that you can leave to Ali Hazelwood to create a perfect story. 

This is the second book I read from the author and just like the previous one I just loved it. It was very addictive and couldn't put it down. 

Ali Hazelwood knows how to write romances regardless of the setting. She created her characters to feel real and with great relationship dynamics. 

Bride was a funny, smart and sexy book with a found family trope and an enemies to lovers trope and excellent banter and tension between our main characters. And adding to all these, we also have great plot twists that left me with my mouth open.

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast-again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold an historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange. Again.

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It's clear from the way he tracks Misery's every movement that he doesn't trust her. If only he knew how right he was...

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what's hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory... alone with the wolf.

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

Athina

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Seeds of War (the Smokesmiths #1) by João F. Silva - A Review

 

"He ran like the monster he was. And the smoke followed."

Seeds of War by João F. Silva

Seeds of War is a self-published epic fantasy book and the first in The Smokesmiths series. I came across this book through @fantasy_fellowship and it sounded very intriguing that I started reading it.

The Smokesmiths is a gritty epic fantasy series with a harsh world of smoke magic, alien creatures and ancient secrets where characters do their best to come out on top. Peace will not last.

I really liked reading Seeds of War. It has great world - building, a very unique magic system and well - written characters with strong development.  The book is about complex characters with troubled pasts, who navigate a dangerous world while striving to protect those they care about.

I am really excited to read book 2 and learn more about the world and our characters.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

GIMLORE is a single mother and war veteran turned crime boss set on protecting her family and her town.

ORBERESIS is a petty thief pretending to be God to protect a terrible secret.

REDNOW is the world's most feared mercenary, but his best days are behind him and there's one job left to do.

In a world of dangerous monsters and devastating smoke magic, the seeds of war are being planted. Allies must be treasured and enemies defeated.

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

Athina

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To Cage A God (These Monstrous Gods #1) by Elizabeth May - A Review

 Hello everyone & Happy Friday!!

Today I am coming to you with a book review. 

To Cage a God by Elizabeth May is the 1st book of an epic new, Imperial Russia-inspired dark fantasy duology of gods, politics, and deadly magical powers. 

This sentence alone had me very intrigued to read it. I really enjoyed reading To Cage A God. The premise is really interesting and I really liked the world building and the Imperial - inspired setting. Also the relationship dynamics between the two sisters was done really well. 

If you like the second chance & enemies to lovers tropes, you should read this book. There is also great representation in the book as the characters deal with trauma and loss.

The only problem that I had was with the pacing as I found it little slow for my tastes. The last chapters of the book though, were a real page turner and the ending was very satisfying, however I would like to know how the story continues in the next book.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

As a child, Galina’s village was decimated in a battle between the alurea, a ruling class possessed by gods imprisoned in human bodies. A stranger offers her shelter—and justice against the empress who slaughtered her family. The bargain is Galina will become a vessel for a deity of her own. And when the time comes, she will be a weapon used to take control of the throne.

Twenty years later, the woman who invoked Galina’s god is dead, and she’s on the run with her foster sister, Sera. Both women are fugitives struggling to adapt to the deities within their bodies and forced to finally attempt the mission they were groomed infiltrate the palace and overthrow the cruel empress to end the brutal reign of alurea.

But their duty grows complicated when Sera’s ruthless former partner catches up with her, and Galina finds herself on the verge of losing her heart to an enemy princess. As secrets and lies come to light, both women will discover what they’re willing to do for their people—and how far they’ll go to occupy a blood-soaked throne.

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

Athina

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The Fireborne Blade (The Fireborne Blade #1) by Charlotte Bond - A Review

"Slay the dragon, find the blade. True love can't be far behind..."

The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond

The Fireborne Blade is a fantasy novella and the first installment in The Fireborne Blade series. The book will be released on May 28th.

In Fireborne Blade , the author creates a rich history of dragons, ill-fated knights, ghosts, scheming squires, and sapphic love to tell a story of the place we make for ourselves in the world, and the roles we refuse to accept. With deceptions and double-crosses that will keep you guessing...

It is a very adventurous story with  determined female knights on epic quests, involving dragons, magic, and betrayal, with a touch of sapphic romance and a conclusion full of surprises.

i really enjoyed reading it and I am very intrigued by the ending to read the sequel. It is a very simple story about a Knight that goes on a quest to retrieve a sword but it is done really well. 

I would have liked it more if there was more information about the world or if the length of the book was longer. We could have learned more about the world and the characters then.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

Maddileh is a knight. There aren’t many women in her line of work, and it often feels like the sneering and contempt from her peers is harder to stomach than the actual dragon slaying. But she’s a knight, and made of sterner stuff.

A minor infraction forces her to redeem her honor in the most dramatic way possible, she must retrieve the fabled Fireborne Blade from its keeper, legendary dragon the White Lady, or die trying. If history tells us anything, it's that “die trying” is where to wager your coin.

Will Maddileh prove her mettle? Or will she end up like countless knights before her―as a puddle of gore and molten armor?

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

Athina

 

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Η σελίδα έξι και άλλες μικρές ιστορίες - Σιδέρης Ντιούδης (Page 6 & other small stories by Sideris Dioudis) - A small review

 

Do you like reading short books?

I do because they fit perfectly between my huge fantasy books.
Early in the month I was in Greece and while in the bookstore I spotted this cute little book with a pretty cover. Of course I picked it up and I read it in a day (it is only 56 pages long). 

The book is in greek and it is called Page 6 & other short stories (Η Σελίδα 6 & άλλες μικρές ιστοριες) and the author is Sideris Dioudis. The book consists of 18 very short shories that explore and challenge the boundaries between human experiences and the world of books.
The stories are really small (1 to 2 pages max) but they manage to capture your interest. It was a very quick and enjoyable read that I am glad I picked it up.

Rating: 3 Stars

About the book:

A book is saved from the trash. A publisher counts the words of books. A prisoner acquires a unique book. A reader inherits a bookstore of living books. And a tiny panther jumps out of the pages of a scrapbook.

Eighteen short stories trace the multifaceted relationships between people and books. They draw the boundaries between the two worlds and then catalyze them.

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

Athina

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Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry - A Review

 "No one loves and quarrels, desires and deceives as boldly or brilliantly as Greek gods and goddesses."

Mythos by Stephen Fry is a retelling of the Greek Myths. The author uses his unique style to tell us the myths of the Greek gods, goddesses, humans etc. 

As it was expected the book is very well written and accessible to everyone regardless of your knowledge in Greek Mythology. 

Since I am Greek, I know a lot of Greek Mythology (mainly from school) and it was really nice to refresh my knowledge and also learn some new things.

If you want to learn about Greek mythology and history in an engaging and  entertaining way, this book is for you.  It brings these ancient stories to life through vivid storytelling an I just loved it.

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

No one loves and quarrels, desires and deceives as boldly or brilliantly as Greek gods and goddesses.

In Stephen Fry's vivid retelling we gaze in wonder as wise Athena is born from the cracking open of the great head of Zeus and follow doomed Persephone into the dark and lonely realm of the Underworld. We shiver when Pandora opens her jar of evil torments and watch with joy as the legendary love affair between Eros and Psyche unfolds.

Mythos captures these extraordinary myths for our modern age - in all their dazzling and deeply human relevance.

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

Athina

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Gogmagog: The First Chronicle of Ludwich by Jeff Noon & Steve Beard - A review

 Hello everyone & Happy Friday!!

Today I have a small book review to share with you. It is about Gogmagog by Jeff Noon & Steve Beard, which is a fantasy book & the First Chronicle of Ludwich. It was recently released by Angry Robot Books. 

To be honest, I requested an arc of this book because of its title. The synopsis of course was also very interesting. Gogmagog tells the story of an epic journey through the sixty-mile long ghost of a dragon. That sentence alone made me so intrigued that I read the book as soon as I got it.

We follow our MCs along their journey on a ship called Juniper as they try to get to Ludwich. Their journey lasts only one day.Throughout this journey they experience many different things that affects them. 

The main theme of the book is that of found family. It is adventurous with a very good character development and a diverse cast of characters. Gogmagog has a really interesting setting, which is contemporary but at the same time very bizarre.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

Gogmagog tells the story of an epic journey through the sixty-mile long ghost of a dragon. Travel is by boat, a rickety steam launch captained by veteran taxi pilot Cady Meade, on the river Nysis. In her heyday Cady carried people and goods from the thriving seaports of the estuary into Ludwich, the capital city. Now she’s drunk, holed up in a rundown seaside resort, telling her bawdy tales for shots of rum. All that’s about to change, when two strangers seek her out, asking for transport, one of whom – a young girl – is very ill, and in great danger. The other, an artificial being of singular character, has secrets hidden inside his crystal skull. So begins the voyage of the Juniper.

The Nysis is unlike any other river. Mysteries unfold with each port of call. Not many can navigate these channels, not many know of its whirlpools and sandbanks, and of the ravenous creatures that lurk beneath the surface. Cady used to have the necessary knowledge, and the powers of spectral navigation. But her glory days are well behind her now.

This might well be her final journey.

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

Athina

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February 2024 Reading Wrap up

 Hello everyone & Happy Thursday!!

Today is the last day of February and I want to share with you the books that I read this month. 

In total I read 5 books & 1 magazine and among them there is one 5 Star read.

This year I want to read as many as possible from the Little Black Classics & Modern Classics Collections from Penguin. 

This month I read 3 of them:

- A Hippo Banquet by Mary Kingsley (LBC 32) - 1 Star
- The nightingales are drunk by Hafez (LBC 37) - 2 Stars
- I Have More Souls Than One by Fernando Pessoa (MC 19) - 3 Stars

 

I finished two books:

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang 

I just adored this book and of course I gave it 5 Stars.

Check out my full review here

 Gogmagog: The First Chronicle of Ludwich by Jeff Noon & Steve Beard 

 I really liked it and I found it interesting & weird at the same time.

I gave it 4 Stars and I will post my full review really soon.

Lastly I read a Greek magazine about geography which is called Geography is really Cool. 

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

Athina

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The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang - A Review

 

“I’ve never needed a sword to protect you—to raise you the way your father wanted. Caring for my family meant putting away the fighter, so I did.”

― M.L. Wang, The Sword of Kaigen

This book is magnificent in very aspect of it and if you haven't read it yet, you should go and read it now.

The Sword of Kaigen is a japanese-inspired military fantasy standalone and it explores the complexities of family dynamics, the weight of honor and tradition, all set against the backdrop of an impending war. The book is adventurous but at the same time emotional, with strong character development and amazing world building.

Our main charcters, Misaki and Mamoru, are perfectly written but they are not perfect. They have their flaws and that makes them better. 

The world and the setting feel very unique. The author has done a great research and everything is spot on. 

Lastly, the ending of the book was very satisfying and everything wrapped up nicely.

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

A mother struggling to repress her violent past,

A son struggling to grasp his violent future,

A father blind to the danger that threatens them all.

When the winds of war reach their peninsula, will the Matsuda family have the strength to defend their empire? Or will they tear each other apart before the true enemies even reach their shores?

High on a mountainside at the edge of the Kaigenese Empire live the most powerful warriors in the world, superhumans capable of raising the sea and wielding blades of ice. For hundreds of years, the fighters of the Kusanagi Peninsula have held the Empire’s enemies at bay, earning their frozen spit of land the name ‘The Sword of Kaigen.’

Born into Kusanagi’s legendary Matsuda family, fourteen-year-old Mamoru has always known his purpose: to master his family’s fighting techniques and defend his homeland. But when an outsider arrives and pulls back the curtain on Kaigen’s alleged age of peace, Mamoru realizes that he might not have much time to become the fighter he was bred to be. Worse, the empire he was bred to defend may stand on a foundation of lies.

Misaki told herself that she left the passions of her youth behind when she married into the Matsuda house. Determined to be a good housewife and mother, she hid away her sword, along with everything from her days as a fighter in a faraway country. But with her growing son asking questions about the outside world, the threat of an impending invasion looming across the sea, and her frigid husband grating on her nerves, Misaki finds the fighter in her clawing its way back to the surface.

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

Athina

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The Forgotten Beasts f Eld by Patricia A. McKillip - A Review

 

"You can weave your life so long -- only so long, and then a thing in the world out of your control will tug at one vital thread and leave you patternless and subdued.”

― Patricia A. McKillip, The Forgotten Beasts of Eld

To celebrate its 50th anniversary of The Forgotten Beasts of Elm the publisher (Tachyon Publications) are releasing a special edition of the book with many beautiful illustrations by Stephanie Law. 

I haven't read anything by Patricia A. McKillip before and this book intrigued so much that I will definitely read more of her works. 

This book was really magical and with very beautiful and powerful writing. It feels like you are reading a fairytale but a modern one. There is no much world building but that does not matter. We have magical talking animals and powerful wizards. 

It is an atmospheric and character-driven story, a story of love, revenge and forgiveness.

This edition will be published on February 29th & you do not want to miss it!

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

Fifty years ago, the soon-to-be celebrated young author Patricia A. McKillip (the Riddle-Master trilogy) penned the tale of an iron-willed young sorceress. Brought vividly to life by McKillip's gorgeously lush prose, Sybel, living with her captivating menagerie, is powerful and resourceful, yet headstrong and flawed. Sybel and The Forgotten Beasts of Eld continue to enrapture new generations of readers, and they continue to inspire generations of new fantasy writers. This lovely 50th anniversary hardcover special edition features cover art by World Fantasy Award-winner Thomas Canty and a brand new introduction by bestselling fantasy author Marjorie Liu (The Tangleroot Palace).

Sybel, the heiress of powerful wizards, needs the company of no-one outside her gates. In her exquisite stone mansion, she is attended by exotic, magical Riddle-master Cyrin the boar; the treasure-starved dragon Gyld; Gules the Lyon, tawny master of the Southern Deserts; Ter, the fiercely vengeful falcon; Moriah, feline Lady of the Night. Sybel only lacks the exquisite and mysterious Liralen, which continues to elude her most powerful enchantments.

But when a soldier bearing an infant arrives, Sybel discovers that the world of man and magic is full of both love and deceit, and the possibility of more power than she can possibly imagine.

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

Athina

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The Hurricane Wars (The Hurricane Wars #1) by Thea Guanzon - A Review

 

“You've been fighting all your life, Your instinct is to strike first, before anyone can hurt you. But, sometimes it's the blow the molds us. Taking it. Letting it ring against our defenses, until we are assured in the knowledge that, when it's over, we will still be standing.”

― Thea Guanzon, The Hurricane Wars

The Hurricane Wars is a fantasy romance and the 1st book in a series. I have heard many conflicting reviews but I really enjoyed reading this one last month and I cannot wait for a sequel.

The book has a very intricate political backdrop and magic system that makes it even more interesting. I hope we get to see more of that in the sequels.

The author takes inspiration from the mythology and lore of her native Philippines that I really enjoyed.

There is a lot of information in the first part of the book that is necessary to the story but makes it a little bit slow paced.

The writing of the author is very beautiful. It is very expressive and flowery.

We follow the story through two POVs from our main characters and the author can seamlessly transition from one POV to the other. The main trope here (and one of my favourites) is enemies to lovers. I really liked the dynamic between Talasyn and Alaric, their chemistry was vey clear. 

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

The Night Empire will rule all.

Nothing can stand in the way of its might and power.

Little by little, year by year, the Hurricane Wars take more and more from those who resists the empire’s supremacy.

And yet, there is hope in the darkness.

One lone light stands against the empire.

Talasyn was left on the steps of a Sardovian orphanage as a baby. All she has ever known are the Hurricane Wars, as her people fight for freedom from the tyranny of the Night Emperor Gaheris. But are they her people? Talasyn dreams of one day finding where she comes from – her true place, family, and the source of the Lightweave magic that flows through her veins like sunlight.

Alaric of House Ossinast, Master of the Shadowforged Legion and Gaheris’s only son and heir has been forged into a weapon by his father. Tasked with obliterating the Sardovian Allford alliance with the strength of his armies and mighty Shadow magic, all Alaric can see is their goal: extinguish all threats to the empire.

That is until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield with the magic that killed his grandfather, turned his father into a monster, and ignited the Hurricane Wars. He tries and fails to kill her, his now greatest enemy slipping through his fingers.

But a greater threat is coming. One that will overshadow the Hurricane Wars.

Will these mortal enemies be able to come together to confront it or is everything that has been fought over for so long about to be destroyed?

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

Athina

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January 2024 Reading Wrap up

 Hello everyone & Happy Wednesday!!

I cannot believe that we are already at the end of January. This month felt like it flew by. 
Anyway, as it is the last day of the month , it is only appropriate to share my monthly reading wrap up.

January was a really good reading month as I managed to read 7 books  (2 ebooks & 5 physical books) and among then was my first 5 star read of the year.

In more detail, I read:

 The Darkness Before Them by Matthew Ward

The Darkness Before Them by Matthew Ward is the first book in The Soulfire Saga and it is an epic fantasy book and the beginning if a new series by the author.

Rating: 3 Stars

Read my full review here

 The Old Man of the Moon by Shen Fu (Penguin LBC #60) 

This is a very interesting story of a man who loved his wife very very much.

It is a true portrayal of enduring love and the challenges of marriage in 18th-century China It focuses on the couple's emotional journey and the power of their relationship.

Rating: 3 Stars

 Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs 

Ink Blood Sister Scribe follows a family tasked with guarding a trove of magical but deadly books, and the shadowy organization that will do anything to get them back...even murder.

Rating: 5 Stars

Read my full review here

Trimalchio's Feast by Petronius (Penguin LBC #21) 

This book contains a selection of The Satyricon by Petronius.

I do not know if it is the translation or the book itself but this one was not for me.

Rating: 1 Star

The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon 

The Night Empire will rule all. Nothing can stand in the way of its might and power.  Little by little, year by year, the Hurricane Wars take more and more from those who resists the empire’s supremacy.  And yet, there is hope in the darkness.  One lone light stands against the empire.

Rating: 4 Stars

Review to come soon

Come Close by Sappho (Penguin LBC #74) 

I enjoyed reading this collection

Rating: 3 Stars

 The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip

A classic tale of an iron-willed young sorceress and her captivating menagerie.

I really liked reading this classic fantasy book and now I am intrigued to read more of the author's work.

Rating: 4 Stars

Review to come soon

How many books did you read in January?

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

Athina

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Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs - A Review

 "Some books should never be opened."

Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs

Ink Blood Sister Scribe follows a family tasked with guarding a trove of magical but deadly books, and the shadowy organization that will do anything to get them back...even murder.

That brief synopsis was all I wanted to know before reading this book. I knew that I would love it from that sentence alone and I did. Ink Blood Sister Scribe is my first 5 Star read of 2024 and I think that if you are looking for a captivating and atmospheric tale of family, magic, and mystery, you should check this out.

I loved everything about it. The book is mysterious and adventurous and definitely a page-turner. I really liked the writing style and the storyline with all of its revelations and plot twists. It had my guessing all the time. 

I usually don't like that much contemporary fantasy but this book was so good that I hardly even noticed that. Finally, I really liked the magic system but I would prefer it if we learned more about it or if it was more present.

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

Joanna Kalotay lives alone in the woods of Vermont, the sole protector of a collection of rare books; books that will allow someone to walk through walls or turn water into wine. Books of magic.

Her estranged older sister Esther moves between countries and jobs, constantly changing, never staying anywhere longer than a year, desperate to avoid the deadly magic that killed her mother. Currently working on a research base in Antarctica, she has found love and perhaps a sort of happiness.

But when she finds spots of blood on the mirrors in the research base, she knows someone is coming for her, and that Joanna and her collection are in danger.

If they are to survive, she and Joanna must unravel the secrets their parents kept hidden from them - secrets that span centuries and continents, and could cost them their lives...

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

Athina

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The Darkness Before Them by Matthew Ward (The Soulfire Saga #1) - A Review

Hello everyone & Happy Wednesday!!

We are in the middle of the week and so I thought that it would be nice to share with you a book review. 

 

The Darkness Before Them by Matthew Ward is the first book in The Soulfire Saga and it is an epic fantasy book and the beginning if a new series by the author.

It introduces readers to a world ruled by a dangerous immortal king, where souls fuel magic, and a supernatural mist known as the Veil threatens to engulf the land. It is a book set in a dark fantasy world and it has a lot of action. Set in a world of ancient myth and dangerous magic, The Darkness Before Them begins a heart-pounding adventure where a thief dares to seek vengeance - and finds herself on the path to war.

I really liked the writing style and how intricate the world building and the magic system was. I enjoyed the story despite finding it a little bit slow paced and complicated at the beginning. There are many twists and turns that make the book really engaging. There is a lot of political intrigue and many betrayals that you do not anticipate.

Rating: 3 Stars

About the book:

The start of a new epic fantasy series packed with intrigue, magic and adventure

These are dark times for the Kingdom of Khalad. As the magical mists of the Veil devour the land, the populace struggles beneath the rule of ruthless noble houses and their uncaring immortal king.

Kat doesn't care about any of that. A talented thief, she's pursuing one big score that will settle the debt that destroyed her family. No easy feat in a realm where indentured spirits hold vigil over every vault and treasure room. However, Kat has a unique she can speak to those spirits, and even command them. She'll need every advantage she can get.

Kat's not a hero. She just wants to be free. To have her old life back. But as rebellion rekindles and the war for Khalad's future begins, everyone - Kat included - will have to pick a side.

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

Athina

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Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood - A Review

 “He told me once that sometimes, with some people, it's not about winning or losing, That with some people, it's just about playing. Though for the longest time, I didn't really believe him.”

― Ali Hazelwood, Check & Mate

Check & Mate was the first Ali Hazelwood book I read and it was a 5-Star read for me! I loved her writing style and now I need to read her other books too.

Check & Mate is a clever and sweet YA romance book, where we follow our two main characters Mallory and Nolan through their journey as rival chess players. I loved the tension and the banter between our main characters. It's actually an enemies-to-lovers book but not only that. I also really liked the story, it is heartwarming and engaging.

One of the main themes of the book is how male dominated is the chess space and I really like her approach on that matter. 

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory's focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious "Kingkiller" Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess.

Nolan's loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What's even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory's victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can't help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist....

As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren't only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent...and infuriating...)

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

Athina

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