Book Review of Finale by Stephanie Garber

My Review

Wow! This series has left me speechless. When I finished reading Finale, I wished it never had to end. I wanted the story to keep going and going and going. I was so caught up in all the twists and turns and surprises. Just when I thought the story was headed in one direction, it did a complete flip and managed to surprise me again.

This was a book where I fell in love with ALL the main characters, and then some. If I could live inside this series permanently, I definitely would.

If you like magic, secrets, loveable characters, and excitement that drags you along with no way to stop it, you would love this series. I highly recommend, and I definitely look forward to whatever Stephanie Garber writes next.

My rating: 5 stars

January 6, 2021March 6, 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 Capturing the Last Welsh Witch by J. M. Davies

My Review

He was a powerhouse, a force to be reckoned with when it came to getting what he wanted and he didn’t play fair.

I read the prequel before this book, and I was pleasantly surprised at some of the reveals that happened in this book that started in that one. Marcus and Ella complimented each other very well, and the dangerous adventure they went on together often had me on the edge of my seat. I never knew what would happen next. The author did a great job at continuously surprising me.

Capturing the Last Welsh Witch set up an interesting plot for the rest of the series, and I’d be interested to know how the rest of it unfolds. For those who like a contemporary romance with a supernatural twist, this is a great book for you.

My rating: 5 stars

December 18, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Magic, Witches, and More: Denise D. Young’s Tangled Magic Series

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Tangled Roots (Witches of Willow Creek: Tangled Magic #1)

I showed up on his doorstep. At midnight. Missing 45 years’ worth of time.

I’m Cassie Gearhart, and the last thing I remember, I cast a spell in 1974. Then, I woke up on a rainy July night to find it was 2019. And the entire Willow Creek Coven—my coven—was gone.

Well, there is one witch left in Willow Creek, Virginia: Nick Felson, the grandson of my high priestess, a brooding farm boy with magic in his blood and a chip on his shoulder.

Every time we get too close, love—the most powerful of magicks—draws us together. The passion? It threatens to be our undoing.

There’s a whole host of other problems, though. For one, Nick wants nothing to do with magic—and therefore, with me, a witch lost in time.

For another, the sinister magic that took the coven? It’s not finished with us.

It’s barely getting started.

November 18, 2020November 18, 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 Tangled Fates by Denise D. Young

My Review

“The only way to get to dawn was to pass through the night.”

What a great introduction to this author’s work!

The first chapter really sets up the mood for the rest of the book. Lots of tension and suspense, so much packed into those first several pages in a masterful way. I loved each protagonist the moment they were introduced. Aiden the shifter who breaks away to find his own path. Vivienne the witch who has to face her fears and the pain of her past.

The author painted a vivid world with incredible descriptions and detailed characters. I definitely enjoyed reading this!

My rating: 5 stars

September 11, 2020September 11, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Spectra Unearthed by Christie Valentine Powell

My Review

This book was…confusing. First, Jasper is the good guy, then the bad guy, then the good guy again, as if the writer couldn’t make up her mind. The beginning starts out strong with a compelling narrative and a promising storyline, but then the confusion has me looking in all sorts of directions as I try to figure out what is what and where the story is headed. People’s motivations don’t make sense, at least until the very end of the book. Within this complex world the author created, I was left not entirely sure who could do what and where the magic limitations started and ended.

For a children’s book, this is pretty dark. People die. Small children are murdered and get maimed.

The writing style is very good, with characters that could definitely be really interesting if expanding upon a little more. However, this book was just not for me. The mistreatment of children is not something I like to read about.

My rating: 2.5 stars

September 5, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Maraschino Marriage Pact by Tamela Miles

My Review

From the very first page, Maraschino Marriage Pact hooks the reader and makes them want to know what happens next. The characters were interesting, each with a backstory about how they got to where they were. I would love to delve deeper into this world the author created and explore the magic and characters.

A dance of hearts and magic, this book was an enjoyable read!

Blurb

Mikayla DiAngelis has spent the past two years traveling the world and avoiding the demands of her overbearing warlock father. A confusing kiss from her former bodyguard is yet another reason for her to stay two steps ahead on the run.

Warlock bodyguard Austin Luca will stop at nothing to bring Mikayla home. His loyalty belongs to her family, but his heart belongs to her, even though he has ties that bind him to his own family responsibilities.

Their encounter was inevitable, and Mikayla is soon caught up in Austin’s passion and the world she vowed to leave behind. Will surrendering to her former protector cost her the freedom she needs?

Amazon ~ Goodreads

September 4, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Dragon’s Shadow by Allison Morse

My Review

“A great king looks to win the war, not merely the battle.”

Kylie has always been different from her abnormally strong anger to her gut feeling that something more out there exists. Her “visions” of another world writes her off as crazy, and she spends plenty of time in a mental hospital. But she soon comes to find out that she’s not crazy after all, and she has a twin brother in another world, a land full of magic and wonder.

The writing flows very well. I loved Kylie as a character and I especially enjoyed getting inside Jarlon’s head. The author did a phenomenal job at world-building, creating something I have never read about before.

The book ends in a way that felt unfinished, so I’m wondering if there will be a sequel to Dragon’s Shadow. Overall, I did enjoy the book, and I look forward to discovering more books from the author.

My rating: 4 stars

July 9, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward