magic – Page 2 – Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Scarred Mage of Roseward by Sylvia Mercedes

My Review

A thief. A mage. An unforgettable tale.

The feels! I adored this book. It was one of those stories where you don’t realize you’re reading a fairy tale retelling until you’re about halfway through the book. I really enjoyed the writing, the characters, and the hard choices they have to make for other people.

Soran Silveri is a different kind of beast, mostly of his own making. He’s scarred, trapped, and tells himself he deserves the fate wrought upon him each and every night. But as a reader, I can’t help but hope there’s another way. Nelle is a unique kind of beauty. She has dangerous, coveted skills, a sharp tongue, and I absolutely loved her. I’m not sure where book #2 in the series is headed, but I’m looking forward to finding out!

My rating: 5 stars

April 12, 2021April 12, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova

My Review

A Deal with the Elf King is a very unique retelling of Hades and Persephone. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Eldas and Luella. Their constant fighting and banter often had me laughing or cheering. They are one of those couples who are so good for each other, but you have to peel back every single rose petal to get to the center of the flower.

I loved all the characters, though Willow and, surprisingly Harrow, both became my favorites. Willow is so down to earth and I loved his sweet and caring personality. As for Harrow, his outer shell is hard to crack, but once you weaken it, you find something much softer beneath. Much like his brother, Eldas. They are more alike than they realize.

The book was a great mix of romance, tension, danger, magic, and humor. The pacing was very slow, but overall, I really enjoyed the story, the unique world building, and the loveable characters.

My rating: 4.5 stars

March 27, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

My review

I really expected to fall in love with this book. I’m disappointed that I didn’t.

First of all, this book should have been written in third person to allow for more than one point of view. Without Cardan’s point of view, I felt like I was missing half the story. I got more of it in How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories, but it didn’t show up in this book. I loved Cardan in that spin-off, especially because I was able to get inside his head. But I wasn’t able to get that in The Cruel Prince.

Second, the book was really hard to get into. The story was interesting. The world-building was intriguing with an Alice in Wonderland type of feel. But I didn’t find myself liking Jude or the way the story often dragged forward. I’m not sure if I want to read the second book in the series, but I might consider it because I liked How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories.

My rating: 3 stars

March 23, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Review of When Hunting a Chimera by J.D.L. Rosell

My Review

A cover of an ominous man in a cloak holding a sword? Yep, that’s right up my alley. Even better was the detailed writing that pulled me into the story and made me long to learn more about this character and the world he lives in. J.D.L Rosell did an incredible job at capturing the essence of Tal in such a short story, not only enthralling his readers with hilarious, cocky behavior, but demonstrating the level of knowledge and skill this character has as he hunts and fights a chimera.

Just this little glimpse into the world of Legend of Tal makes me want to read more, and I’m looking forward to finding out what the next book in the series has to offer.

My rating: 5 stars

March 13, 2021March 12, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of A Song of Sea and Shore by Katherine Macdonald

My Review

I have no words to describe this. Pun intended? Maybe a little. As of yet, A Song of Sea and Shore is my favorite of all of Katherine Macdonald’s works I have read so far, and let me tell you, I loved Kingdom of Thorns like nobody’s business.

The author broke my heart, then patched it up, broke it again, patched it up, and maybe repeated the process a few more times after that. This story was so emotional and so well-crafted, it brought me to tears on several occasions. I loved the characters and the hard choices they had to make throughout the book. I loved the uniqueness of a plot we have heard time and again. I especially loved this different type of hero the author painted (another pun, sorry!), one who is quiet, thoughtful, creative, and emotional. Did I also mention he blushes easily?

The Little Mermaid is one of my favorite fairy tales, and I adored this particular retelling. I absolutely recommend!

My rating: 5+ stars

March 12, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Unseen Heir by Kenley Davidson

My Review

“I will always recognize you. No matter what face you wear.”

Wow!

This book was a mix of awesomeness, heartache, action, frustration, and love. From beginning to end, the characters are thrown into life and death situations, and I loved watching how it brought Leisa and Kyrion together. They understand each other so deeply, and even when they frustrate or hurt each other, they wouldn’t change a thing.

Kenley Davidson excels in writing sweet romance that builds up slowly and makes every moment of waiting worth it. The author’s action scenes are awe inspiring, and the sacrifices each character makes for the other will both warm your heart and bring you to tears.

Lovers of fantasy and romance will love the intricate world and unique magic in this series. Can’t wait for the third!

My rating: 5 stars

February 27, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Faceless Mage by Kenley Davidson

My Review

He is neither her friend, nor her enemy. But just one word from his master will give him no choice but to take her life.

The Faceless Mage is everything you want in a book. Magic. Romance. Secrets. Danger. Although the hero does little else besides act as her guard, there is so much depth to him. His raw emotions explode on every page, and you can feel his pain and hopeless existence.

You can’t help but to love Leisa. She is strong, skilled, and most of all brave. Her courage is admirable as she risks her life for the safety of her kingdom. In a world filled with uncertainty and suspicion, she puts her trust in the one person who is the most dangerous of them all.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters and story kept me hooked, and there was little else I wanted to do but turn page after page to find out what happened next. I’m looking forward to continuing this series with book 2!

My rating: 5 stars

February 25, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Round of Applause by Marilyn Barr

My Review

I did not see that coming.

Anyone who has read Round of Applause by Marilyn Barr will know what I’m talking about. The author did a great job at keeping me guessing throughout the entire book, and when the twist popped up in the story, boy was I surprised! The dynamic between the heroes and heroine made sense, and I appreciated how carefully the author crafted the story.

I love how strong Aurora was as a character. She wanted to travel the world to find herself, and she found more than she thought possible in a little town called Strawberry. I loved watching her own up to her mistakes and her past and become stronger because of them.

One of my favorite characters in the story despite how little screen time he had? Ryan. What can I say? I love vampires! I loved his snarky attitude in both Bear with Me and Round of Applause, and I hope I get to see more of it in future books in the series. Other than him, Nate quickly found a place in my heart. He was so fun and hilarious! I enjoyed his sense of humor and the silly relationship he had with Gran.

The characters were great, the story awesome, and the world building fascinating. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

My rating: 5 stars

February 21, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Soul of the Wolf by Judith Sterling

My Review

This book surprised me. After reading the first book in the series, I expected Soul of the Wolf to be just as serious and intense as Wulfstan’s character, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be quite the opposite. Jocelyn and Wulfstan were such a funny, well-suited pair. They had me laughing throughout the entire book. Especially where all of Jocelyn’s antics were concerned when trying to gain the attention of her new husband.

One of my favorite parts of this book was Jocelyn. She was fiery and headstrong, not afraid to go after what she wanted. She drove Wulfstan crazy in all the right ways. I seriously loved this book, and I’m looking forward to finding out what the next book in the series has in store.

My rating: 5 stars

February 4, 2021February 2, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Tangled Souls by Denise D. Young

My Review

There’s a reason for everything under the sun and moon. In a witch’s life, there are no coincidences.

Tangled Souls is a great addition to the Tangled Magic series. We get different characters, but the same world filled with danger, secrets, and magic. Denise D. Young excels in writing vivid, descriptive imagery that leaves the reader feeling like they’re walking through the book themselves, hearing, tasting, seeing, and touching as if they were a character in the story.

I found myself really liking Evan and Bailee, as they both had great talents and personalities to bring to the coven table. Although we only get a glimpse into Nick and Evan’s brotherly relationship, I loved the dynamic between them.

The author leaves off in an interesting place, making the reader wonder what will happen in the next book. If you like witches, shifters, fae, and magic, Tangled Souls is a great read for you.

My rating: 4.5 stars

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021 by Sydney Winward