Book Review | COMPASS AND BLADE by Rachel Greenlaw

COMPASS AND BLADE
BY RACHEL GREENLAW | PUBLICATION: FEBRUARY 29, 2024
INKYARD PRESS / HARPERCOLLINSCA | GENRE: YA FANTASY
RATING: ★★★½

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This world of sea and storm runs deep with bargains and blood.

On the remote isle of Rosevear, Mira, like her mother before her, is a wrecker, one of the seven on the rope who swim out to shipwrecks to plunder them. Mira’s job is to rescue survivors, if there are any. After all, she never feels the cold of the frigid ocean waters and the waves seem to sing to her soul. But the people of Rosevear never admit the truth: that they set the beacons themselves to lure ships into the rocks.

When the Council watch lays a trap to put an end to the wrecking, they arrest Mira’s father. Desperate to save him from the noose, Mira strikes a deal with an enigmatic wreck survivor guarding layers of secrets behind his captivating eyes, and sets off to find something her mother has left her, a family secret buried deep in the sea.

With just nine days to find what she needs to rescue her father, all Mira knows for certain is this: The sea gives. The sea takes. And it’s up to her to do what she must to save the ones she loves.

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I enjoyed reading COMPASS AND BLADE, a YA fantasy adventure, and the first book in an expected trilogy. The book follows Mira, a young wrecker who lives on a remote island where the villagers lure ships to their doom and scavenge their cargo. Mira has always felt a connection to the sea, but she also longs for something more than her harsh and dangerous life. When her father is captured by the watch, the ruthless enforcers of the mainland, Mira decides to risk everything to save him. She teams up with Seth, a mysterious survivor of one of her wrecks, and embarks on a perilous journey across the ocean. Along the way, she discovers secrets about her past, her family, and the true nature of the sirens that haunt the waters.

Rachel Greenlaw has a knack for creating a vivid sense of place and time, making me feel like I was sailing along with Mira on her quest. The Fortunate Isles are full of wonders and dangers, and Greenlaw describes them with rich details and poetic language. I could almost smell the salt in the air, feel the wind in my hair, and hear the waves crashing on the rocks. The world building is impressive and immersive, revealing new aspects of the history, culture, and magic of this fantasy world as the story progresses. The plot is fast-paced and full of surprises, keeping me hooked until the end.

However, I also had some issues with the book, mainly with the characters and the romance. Mira is supposed to be a brave and adventurous heroine, but she comes across as naïve and passive most of the time. Then again, it may be the author’s intention for this first installment. Which reminds me of Meghan Chase from The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa, and how much I want to smack her in the head in Book 1, then completely fell for her by Book 3. The romance between Mira and Seth is also underdeveloped and unconvincing. They fall in love too quickly and easily in my opinion. I would have liked to see more tension, conflict, and development between them, making them more complex and realistic. I didn't feel invested in their relationship.

COMPASS AND BLADE is a captivating read for fans of fantasy and adventure, with a stunning setting and a thrilling plot. I look forward to the next book.

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About the Author:

   

Rachel Greenlaw lives on an island in the middle of the Atlantic, with all the allure of tropical palm trees in the summer and spine-tingling storms in the winter. Her debut women’s fiction novel, One Christmas Morning, was published in 2023. The Compass and Blade trilogy is her first YA fiction series.

@rachelgreenlaw_ | www.rachelgreenlaw.com

*Thanks to HarperCollins CA / Inkyard Press for the printed ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Blog Tour | Askefise by Rebecca Schmid

About the Book:

Askefise
by Rebecca Schmid
Publication: 12 October 2022
Publisher: Schara Reeves Press
Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Tales of Redemeré: Book I
ASKEFISE
n. One who blows on ashes to bring them to flame.

In a time before the Great War has ravaged the land, two sisters stumble across a lone traveler who calls himself Tyron. They tell him that they’re just passersby. He tells them that he’s nobody.

They’re all lying.

When the sisters begrudgingly agree to take Tyron with them to safety, they have no idea what they set in motion. One thing’s for certain: The world of Eatris will never be the same.

For once Tyron has started, there’s no turning back.

Amazon
Goodreads

"The story is splashed with action and romance, has simple but well done political intrigue, and includes thoughtful disability representation. It also pictures complex familial relationships and how trauma shapes us as we grow up. It got me engaged all the way through."
-Tiny Elf Arcanist
"it's a very well written book with a very solid storyline and characters that you can't help but root for."
-Patricia
"Overall, this is a great book for fantasy fans, with flawed but likeable characters in a detailed and fascinating world. Bring on book 2!"
-Books, Cats, Etc.


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About the Author:

Rebecca Schmid is an author and pianist from upstate New York. She credits her parents for fostering her love of books and writing. With their encouragement, she has been writing since she was a teenager (though she cringes at the thought of those early drafts) along with her best friend and sister-in-law, Niamh Schmid. Together, they co-authored the series, A Daughter’s Ransom, debuting their first book in 2020. Both have continued to explore the TetraWorlds in solo works as well as joint projects.

While books and music take up most of her time, Rebecca enjoys dabbling in many other hobbies such as painting, horse riding, history, archery, hiking, martial arts, and more. If anyone asks her why she needs so many past times, her excuse is simple: “I’m researching…for my book, of course.”

You can find her on many different social media platforms under her imprint name, Schara Reeves Press (@ScharaReeves)

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Blog Tour | The Djinn's Apple by Djamila Morani

About the Book:

The Djinn's Apple
by Djamila Morani
Publication: February 29, 2024
Publisher: Neem Tree Press
Genre: YA Fiction

Winner of an English PEN Translates Award (Winter/Spring 2021).

Historical fiction meets crime fiction in The Djinn’s Apple, an award-winning YA murder mystery set in the Abbasid period—the golden age of Baghdad.

A ruthless murder. A magical herb. A mysterious manuscript.

When Nardeen’s home is stormed by angry men frantically in search of something—or someone—she is the only one who manages to escape. And after the rest of her family is left behind and murdered, Nardeen sets out on an unyielding mission to bring her family’s killers to justice, regardless of the cost…

Full of mystery and mayhem, The Djinn’s Apple is perfect for fans of Arabian Nights, City of Brass, and The Wrath and the Dawn.

Amazon
Goodreads

"The themes of political turmoil, trust, feminism, grief and family secrets are well handled and will promote a lot of discussion and debate."
-Beth's Bookcase
"From the bustling streets of Abbasid Baghdad to the quiet corners of Nardeen's world, every detail is meticulously crafted and thought out."
-Piper


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About the Author:

   

Djamila Morani is an Algerian novelist and an Arabic language professor. Her first novel, released in 2015 and titled Taj el-Khatiaa, is set in the Abbasid period (like The Djinn’s Apple), but in Kazakh- stan. All of her works are fast-paced historical fiction pieces. She is yet to have a full-length work translated into English.

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Book Review | AFTER ANNIE by Anna Quindlen

AFTER ANNIE
BY ANNA QUINDLEN | FEBRUARY 27, 2024
RANDOM HOUSE | GENRE: WOMEN'S FICTION
RATING: ★★★★★

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Anna Quindlen’s trademark wisdom on family, friendship, and the ties that bind us are at the center of this novel about the power of love to transcend loss and triumph over adversity, by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Still Life with Bread Crumbs and One True Thing.

When Annie Brown dies suddenly, her husband, her children, and her closest friend are left to find a way forward without the woman who has been the lynchpin of all their lives. Bill is overwhelmed without his beloved wife, and Annemarie wrestles with the bad habits her best friend had helped her overcome. And Ali, the eldest of Annie’s children, has to grow up overnight, to care for her younger brothers and even her father and to puzzle out for herself many of the mysteries of adult life.

Over the course of the next year what saves them all is Annie, ever-present in their minds, loving but not sentimental, caring but nobody’s fool, a voice in their heads that is funny and sharp and remarkably clear. The power she has given to those who loved her is the power to go on without her. The lesson they learn is that no one beloved is ever truly gone.

Written in Quindlen’s emotionally resonant voice and with her deep and generous understanding of people, After Annie is about hope, and about the unexpected power of adversity to change us in profound and indelible ways.

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Set in a small town, Annie Brown lived a life that was both lovely and reliable. She married young, had four children, and worked tirelessly as an aide at a nursing home. Despite the challenges, Annie found contentment in her role as a wife, mother, and friend. But when she dies suddenly of an aneurysm, her family and closest friend are left to grapple with grief and find a path forward.

Annie's husband, Bill Brown, is overwhelmed by the loss. Her best friend, Annemarie, struggles without Annie's steadying hand. And their 13-year-old daughter, Ali, steps into the role of caretaker for her younger siblings and even her father. As they navigate their grief, each character meets difficult facts about adaptability and resilience.

Anna Quindlen masterfully weaves Annie's story with the lives of her survivors. With her sudden death, Annie remains a vibrant presence throughout the novel. Quindlen’s writing captures the complexities of human relationships with grace and insight. Whether exploring loss or celebrating love, she invites readers to quietly reflect on their own lives through her poignant narratives. Her characters are well-drawn, their emotions sharp and authentic.

This book touched me deeply as I lost my mother to cancer recently. I could not help but cry at some parts, as they reminded me of my own loss. However, I also felt that this book helped me process my grief in a healthy way. The novel's emotionally resonant voice captures the essence of loss while leaving room for hope. As Bill reflects at one point: "Maybe grief was like homesickness—something that wasn't just about a specific person but about losing that feeling that you were where you belonged." So, yes, this book will lean heavily on your emotions, so prepare yourself to cry along.

AFTER ANNIE is a beautiful novel that celebrates love's ability to transcend time and triumph over adversity. It's an emotionally satisfying and absorbing story. As we witness Annie's loved ones grow stronger in her absence, we're reminded that even in loss, there is resilience—and perhaps even unexpected joy.

This is also available in audiobook, narrated by Gilli Messer. If you've enjoyed Anna Quindlen's previous works or appreciate stories about love, family, and community, this novel is sure to resonate with you.

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Aboth the Author:

Anna Quindlen is a novelist and journalist whose work has appeared on fiction, nonfiction, and self-help bestseller lists. She is the author of many novels: Object Lessons, One True Thing, Black and Blue, Blessings, Rise and Shine, Every Last One, Still Life with Bread Crumbs, and Miller’s Valley. Her memoir Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake, published in 2012, was a #1 New York Times bestseller. Her book A Short Guide to a Happy Life has sold more than a million copies. While a columnist at The New York Times she won the Pulitzer Prize and published two collections, Living Out Loud and Thinking Out Loud. Her Newsweek columns were collected in Loud and Clear.

*Thanks to Penguin Random House eARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Blog Tour | Adiel and the Führer by Elyse Hoffman

About the Book:

Adiel and the Fuhrer
by Elyse Hoffman
Publication: April 20, 2024
Publisher: Project 613 Publishing
Genre: Historical Fiction

A chance to prevent the rise of Hitler… but at what cost?

Adiel Goldstein has a good life. Despite the anti-Semitism he faces as a German Jew, he has everything he wants. A dream job as an art professor, good friends, a loving father, and a precious nine-year-old daughter, Kaia. But his life is about to be upended. An old comrade from his time fighting in the Great War is gaining power: a man named Hitler. Adiel’s father insists that they need to leave the country before Hitler becomes the leader of Germany.

Adiel and his family plan to move to America, but before they can even pack their bags, he and Kaia make a shocking discovery. Adiel’s father, Natan Goldstein, is from the future. A Holocaust survivor who lost his family to unspeakable tragedy, Natan was given the chance to go back in time and take the life of Adolf Hitler. But when he failed to kill the future Führer, he devoted himself to his new family and awaited the inevitable.

Natan can’t face the Holocaust again, but Adiel’s unique connection to Hitler means he might be able to succeed where his father failed. Adiel now has a choice: escape as planned and let history repeat itself, or sacrifice everything to stop the Holocaust before it can begin.

Award winning author Elyse Hoffman has crafted a thought-provoking and daring work of historical fiction which will tug at your heartstrings.

Goodreads
Amazon

"Employing characters both factual and fictional, Elyse Hoffman riffs off one of Chaplin’s greatest films to drive the plot to a bitter-sweet conclusion, whilst never glossing over the horrors of the Holocaust and how it affected those that survived.
-Fantasy Book Nerd
"There have been times that the reader is able to predict what is to come in the next few pages but what one couldn’t be ready for is the ultimate plot twist that came halfway through the book that brought the curious me to flip pages quickly."
-Murtaza Kuwarawala
"This fourth book in the Project 613 series is a hell of a whopper. Each book can be read as a standalone, but characters do cross over, so reading the other books makes this book a richer reading experience."
-I am A Voracious Reader

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About the Author:

    

Elyse Hoffman is an award-winning author who strives to tell historical tales with new twists. Having studied WWII since the age of thirteen and with interests in fantasy and Jewish folklore, she loves to combine them in her writing. Elyse started writing novels at fourteen and finished her first historical fiction work at fifteen. She has published eight books: five in a series called The Barracks of the Holocaust, and three novels, including The Book of Uriel, Where David Threw Stones, and Fracture. In her spare time, she loves to read, work on pretty keyboards, and hang out with her co-authors - her Goldendoodle Ari and her ex-feral cat, Echo.

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Book Review | CHAMPION OF FATE by Kendare Blake

CHAMPION OF FATE
BY KENDARE BLAKE | PUBLICATION: SEPTEMBER 19, 2023
HARPERCOLLINSCA / QUILL TREE BOOKS | GENRE: YA FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★

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Behind every great hero is an Aristene.

Aristene are mythical female warriors, part of a legendary order. Though heroes might be immortalized in stories, it’s the Aristene who guide them to victory. They are the Heromakers.

Ever since she was an orphan taken in by the order, Reed has wanted to be an Aristene. Now, as an initiate, just one challenge stands in her way: she must shepherd her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and Reed will take her place beside her sisters. Fail, and she’ll be cast from the only home she’s ever known.

Nothing is going to stop Reed--until she meets her hero. Hestion is fiery and infuriating, but what begins as an alliance becomes more, and as secrets of the order come to light Reed begins to understand what becoming an Aristene may truly cost. Battle looming, she must choose: the order and the life she had planned, or Hestion, and the one she never expected.

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CHAMPION OF FATE by Kendare Blake is the first book in the Heromaker duology, and it follows Reed, a young woman who survived a brutal attack on her village and was taken in by a group of legendary warriors called Aristene. Reed has one chance to become an immortal Aristene herself: she must guide a chosen hero to glory.

I loved Reed's character and her story. She's fierce, loyal, smart, and determined, but she also struggles with her past, her identity, and her feelings for Hestion, the hero she's supposed to help. She's not perfect, but she's relatable and admirable. I also enjoyed the dynamic between her and Hestion, who is kind, brave, and charming, but also has his own secrets and challenges.

The world that Blake created is rich and fascinating, with a lot of history, mythology, politics, and magic. I liked how the story incorporated different cultures, religions, and perspectives, and how it explored the role of the Aristene in shaping the fate of others. The plot was engaging and suspenseful.

Overall, I think Champion of Fate is a fantastic start to the Heromaker duology, and I can't wait to read the next book. If you're a fan of slow-burn and immersive YA fantasy, you should definitely give this book a try.

Book Trailer courtesy of Epic Reads.

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About the Author:

   

Kendare Blake is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series. She holds an MA in creative writing from Middlesex University in northern London. She is also the author of Anna Dressed in Blood, a Cybils Awards finalist; Girl of Nightmares; Antigoddess; Mortal Gods; and Ungodly. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages, have been featured on multiple best-of-year lists, and have received many regional and librarian awards. Kendare lives and writes in Gig Harbor, Washington. Visit her online at www.kendareblake.com.

*Thanks to HarperCollinsCa and Netgalley for the egalley
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review| THE SCARLET VEIL by Shelby Mahurin

 

THE SCARLET VEIL
BY SHELBY MAHURIN | PUBLICATION: SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
HARPERTEEN | GENRE: YOUNG ADULT FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★

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This dark and thrilling vampire romance—set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Serpent & Dove series—is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas!

Célie Tremblay has always been a good girl: kind and beautiful, a daughter of whom every parent would be proud. She surprises the entire kingdom when she defies tradition to become the first huntswoman—including her new captain and fiancé, Jean Luc, who rules the huntsmen with an iron fist. He isn’t the only one concerned for Célie’s safety, however. Though her friends try to protect her from the horrors of her past, mysterious whispers still haunt her, and a new evil is rising in Belterra—leaving bodies in their wake, each one drained of blood.

Determined to prove herself in her new role, Célie tracks the killer to the lair of Les Éternels—ancient creatures only spoken about in nursery rhymes—and catches the attention of their king, a monster who hides his plans for her behind beautiful words and sharp smiles. Now Célie has new reason to fear the dark because the closer he gets, the more tempted she feels to give in to his dark hunger—and her own.

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This is a thrilling read! The Scarlet Veil is a spin-off of Serpent and Dove, but with a new character development and a whodunnit mystery plot. I loved meeting Célie Tremblay, a fierce and determined heroine who wants to prove herself as a Chasseur. She must deal with a lot of challenges, including her overprotective fiancé Jean Luc, her past, and a deadly murder mystery that puts Belterra in danger.

I admit I was a bit confused at the beginning, since I have not read Serpent and Dove, but it got better as I read on. It’s fun having no expectations and being taken by surprise. I loved Celie's character arc, how she defies expectations and shows everyone what she's capable of. The book has it all - action, adventure, slow burn romance, and mystery. It was a thrilling ride and ended with a juicy cliffhanger. I recommend it to fans of Serpent and Dove or anyone who loves a good story with strong characters and a captivating plot.

Book Trailer courtesy of Epic Reads.

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About the Author:

   

Shelby Mahurin is the New York Times bestselling author of the Serpent & Dove trilogy. She grew up on a small farm in rural Indiana, where sticks became wands and cows became dragons. Her rampant imagination didn’t fade with age, so she continues to play make-believe every day—with words now instead of cows. When not writing, Shelby watches The Office and reads voraciously. She still lives near that childhood farm with her very tall husband and semiferal children. Visit her online at www.shelbymahurin.com.

*Thanks to HarperCollinsCa / HarperTeen and Netgalley for the egalley
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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