fantasy – Page 3 – Sydney Winward

Book Review of Legendary by Stephanie Garber

My Review

If I thought the first book in this series was absolutely amazing, this one definitely surpasses it. Tella was such a fun character to get inside the head of! She was daring, headstrong, fearless, and above all, selfless. In Legendary, she has to make an impossible choice, one where no matter what, she will lose someone she loves.

Danger, love, and adventure come together in an incredible sequel in the Caraval Series. Like the first book, the author managed to pull me into the pages and keep me there. I questioned what was real and what was not, whose motives were more worthy over another’s, and especially what would be the end result of the book.

If you haven’t read the Caraval Series, I highly recommend it!

My rating: 5+ stars

January 2, 2021January 2, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Caraval by Stephanie Garber

My Review

I think I found a new favorite author! Caraval was filled with so many twists, turns, and secrets, and I had absolutely no idea what was real and what was not. As soon as I came up with a new theory, it was dashed when the author revealed a new secret along the way.

The characters were superb, the plot was unique and exciting, and as a reader, I was immersed in the adventure as if I was actually living in the book rather than flipping page after page.

If you are looking for a little bit of magic and mystery, Caraval is the perfect book for you. I’m looking forward to reading the next two in the series!

My rating: 5+ stars

December 26, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Slipper in the Snow by Alice Ivinya

My Review

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Little Mermaid fairy tale retelling. This story was short, but packed with so many good things–mystery, adventure, and a promise of romance. The ending was intriguing, making me excited to learn more about Ianthe and what will come next after this short story.

This is my first introduction to Alice Ivinya, but I’m definitely planning on reading more of Alice’s works in the near future. I’m looking forward to what’s next!

My rating: 5 stars

December 7, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Mistress Grim by Jane Redd

My Review

Mistress Grim has great world building with an interesting storyline. The duties of the Grim Reaper are suddenly thrust upon his daughter when the Underworld sinks into chaos. Only she can save the mortal world and restore the Underworld to its former glory.

Despite my initial draw to the cover and the blurb, the contents of the book were a bit flat to me, and I wasn’t able to invest myself in the characters. I was baffled by Leo’s determination to keep throwing himself into danger and putting his own life at risk for…nothing. There is no real motivation here, and him doing it for love is not believable either. Cora is also a flat character to me, just going along with what needs to be done and having no real believable motivation of her own.

The tense switching from chapter to chapter also threw me, changing with each pov. Cora’s pov was first person present tense, and Leo’s was third person past tense. It was my first time reading a book written like this, and I thought it was unnecessary.

Overall, the book had a good storyline and I enjoyed the ending. People who are looking for an interesting story about the afterlife in a fictional realm might enjoy this book.

My rating: 3 stars

November 28, 2020 by Sydney Winward

She Wakes the Night by Darcy Carson

Blurb:

Trell Langois escapes a thousand-year-old curse. Being trapped as a tree wasn’t on her bucket list, but now she can continue as a healer. Traveling with her dragon, Torkel, she seeks out new cures to help others and meets Gren, an unfortunate soul who suffers from a dreadful disease.

Gren Oyg Har is a prince on a mission. In order to rule his father’s kingdom, he must find a healer. Not just any healer, mind you, but one with a dragon. Yet, it is Trell who finds and rescues Gren, but wants nothing to do with him. If not for Torkel, she would leave him behind.

Separate goals soon become entangled, and both Trell and Gren are on their way to falling in love until secrets better kept hidden become known—and threaten to destroy all they hold dear.

November 13, 2020November 11, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Damned When I Didn’t by Cherie Colyer

My Review

This was an easy book to get sucked into. The descriptions pulled me in. The story idea was one I hadn’t read before. I loved the world the author created and the detailed characters. I enjoyed the dynamic between Avery and Cole, and I was surprised when Wyatt quickly became one of my favorite characters. I would looovvee to see a book from his point of view.

If you’re looking for a unique read with interesting dynamics between angels and demons, this is a good read for you.

My rating: 4.5 stars

November 9, 2020November 9, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Top 5 Paranormal/Fantasy Books I’ve Read This Year (So Far)

Happy Halloween! What better way to celebrate the holiday than by reflecting back on my favorite paranormal/fantasy books I’ve read in 2020? Can you believe it?? I’ve read 75 books so far this year. I’ve blown my reading goal out of the water. I’ve read some incredible books, some okay books, and a few books that made me cringe. Although the year isn’t quite over yet, and there’s still time for books to squeeze their way onto my list of favorites, here are my favorites in this genre so far.

#1- Kingdom of Thorns by Katherine Macdonald

Witty banter, an adorable hero you can’t help but root for, and a unique fairy tale retelling like you’ve never read before. I loved this book so so so so much, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

October 31, 2020October 31, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Kingdom of Thorns by Katherine Macdonald

My Review

I can’t express enough about how much I loved this book. The interactions between Talia and Leopold had me chuckling so much, sometimes even multiple times on the same page. Leo was absolutely adorable, and I admire Talia’s courage and determination. The characters had so much depth to them, and the descriptions jumped to life on the page.

For as many Sleeping Beauty retellings that are out there in the world, this one is truly unique, not quite like anything I’ve read thus far. Unique, witty, and charming, this book is not something you want to miss out on. If you’re in the mood for fairy tales with exciting twists, I highly recommend reading Kingdom of Thorns.

My rating: 5 stars

October 15, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Spellbound After Midnight by Jenna Collett

I’ve included both covers because I just love both versions for different reasons!!

My Review

A bit of murder. A bit of mystery. A bit of romance. This book caters perfectly to everything I love in a book. The romantic tension is drawn out so well, with the perfect amount of romance to keep the reader interested and wanting more. I loved the characters. Tessa and Derrick had great chemistry. I absolutely loved Tessa’s personality. She’s fiery, confident despite her shortcomings, and her humor is so entertaining.

This book has been on my to-read list for the better part of a year, and I’m SO glad I ended up picking it up. I seriously loved everything about this book. It was perfect. I haven’t read a Cinderella fairy tale retelling quite like this where it’s from the witch’s point of view, and there is a murder mystery to solve.

Loved this book! Looking forward to reading more from this author.

My rating: 5+ stars

September 16, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Warrior’s Progeny

My Review

When you think of Greek gods and goddesses, you don’t usually think of them in a modern sense. Jeny Heckman did an amazing job at bringing the traits of Greek gods into modern day people such as football star, Colton Stone, and Dr. Lillian Morgan.

The author created realistic situations and excelled at placing obstacles between the hero and heroine. One of her strengths that amazed me was her ability to write from a man’s perspective. It was fun getting inside Colt’s head and witnessing his easy temper. Well written and a great read.

My rating: 4 stars

August 10, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward