Game Review: Potion Craft Alchemist Simulator

 

New Cozy Game for this week.  Potion Craft.

Potion craft is an alchemist sim game, and when you say it like that it sounds really boring. There's a really nice relaxing rhythm to this game.  Check the garden, sell your potions, try to earn as much money as you can so you can buy and fix equipment..rinse repeat. 

I love that there's no action, or urgency. The music is relaxing as you sit and figure out the puzzle of how to make the potions the towns people require. The game starts out with a simple story of how you came to the town and an alchemist shop was currently vacant.  You move in and take over the business. There's a garden that provides some of the materials you will need once a day, and a book that helps direct you with tasks that you need to complete for each chapter.

The puzzle aspect was unique, in that you use the materials to navigate a map, while keeping your potion icon out of the skull areas so your potion doesn't fail. Initially the potions are simple and straight forward, but soon you will have to hunt around the map for the ingredient you need, each one getting further and further from your starting point and getting more and more challenging to reach. You can fill your book out with paper to save the potions you make, so you can go back to them with a click of a button instead of working the map again. 

Once you learn how to make potions, you can open your shop and sell to the townspeople.  They come in letting you know what ails them, and you have to figure out what kinds of potions they get. This is part of the puzzle, because if you place the wrong potion they won't want to buy it. Customer's get upset if you aren't able to provide the potion they need, or if you give them the wrong kind of potion too many times. When you turn away customers or make them upset it affects your reputation which affects the kinds of customers you get. 

As the game progresses, the puzzles you solve get more and more complicated.  You work on building your equipment in the basement to make even more complicated potions. The game feels endless, and after a number of hours I don't feel like I've come close to reaching the end.  It's pretty simple to figure out the game mechanics with little lengthy instructions to follow.   

Overall I've really enjoyed relaxing to this game. I think my favorite part about the game is the "Witcher" cameo. The cozy atmosphere, beautiful graphics, easy interface, and relaxing music make it an easy choice to relax to.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Publisher: Tinybuild

Release date: 12/13/2022

Genre: puzzle game/sim

Available on  Xbox, Playstation (spring 23), Switch (spring 23), PC (through Steam or Xbox).

Photo Credit: Potion Craft Press Kit

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A Body Washes Ashore by Bradley Pay

A Body Washes Ashore is the heart-racing sequel to The Killings Begin and Death in a Dark Alley that you've been waiting for! Bradley Pay's signature blend of contemporary romance and psychological suspense will sweep you off your feet and into the thick of mortal danger.

Blurb:

Tracey's new group of friends seems perfect. For as long as he could remember he felt lik ean outsider, struggling to make connections, and living as an unknown serial killer certainly didn't help. Now he has discovered a circle of friends that begins to fill his need for close relationships. He's one step closer to living a "normal" life despite the cold-case investigators on his tail.

Remy Marin, one of Tracey's new friends, also bears scars on her damaged heart. She has vowed to only sleep with married men to protect herself from heartbreak. However, the stakes rise when she breaks her biggest rule and takes things too far. Now, she must deal with the consequences of her affair, whatever the cost.

My Thoughts:

A continuation of the Spectrum Series and a wonderful adventure. I love all the original characters.

Beginning with Jane’s dissertation proposal, I love the exploration of cheating and the potential of collateral damage as a theme throughout the book. Are the characters good or bad? Or are they just experiencing the collateral effects of the people and relationships around them?

As with the previous books, the settings are rich with the beauty and details of the various locations. The scents, flavors and scenery are visceral! Midway through my reading, I joined a friend for dinner who had just returned from a river cruise. As she described her travels, I realized that I was currently reading about the same route, and I longed to join the adventure.

And the ending!! I cannot wait for the next book in the series! The authors have done it again. I highly recommend this book!

Contirbuting Reviewer:

My name is Lissa I am a wife, mom aspiring author and new Florida transplant who loves all things books and coffee! Self proclaimed nerd who refuses to stop believing in Fairytales! If you want to follow along on my book review journey you can follow me on Instagram at @reviewsonwheels.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Well of Eida by KB Benson

Synopsis:

Two years have passed since Ari was taken as a prisoner to the troll realm. Two years of blood staining her hands, killing as the troll king’s mercenary. In Eida, it’s kill or be killed, and Ari will do anything to survive.

But survival does not come easy in Eida, especially for a young woman with fire in her blood.

When Ari’s sold to one of Eida’s most notorious training masters, her survival comes with a price: unleash the monster she’s buried inside. A very real and very dangerous creature no opponent can defeat.

Ari expects to kill. She expects to survive. But she doesn’t expect her growing feelings for the man who has claimed her as his. Together, Ari and her master will cut down every opponent in the arena seeking to win a wish from their king.

Until a man from her past challenges her within those walls, and everything Ari has fought for crumbles. All for a man she once loved. But if she is to save her own life, she must take his.

After all, everyone dies in Eida.

Thoughts:

What an emotional roller coaster you guys, I really enjoyed this book!!  There's betrayal, character growth, morally grey characters, plot twists, and surprises that really deepen this story.   The world building was gradual and brilliantly laid out. We learned more and more about this unique world as the story unfolded.

This book had me hating men at the beginning. Ari, our female lead, starts off so vulnerable, and she really comes into her own.  I initially really hated Graeden, and as soon as I started to like him he became a broody prick again.  I have to remember...he purchased her.  Gross. And then there was Tib, who was quite the opposite of Graeden.  KB Benson really didn't allow us to get attached to either man in the story, giving us reasons to doubt them both as the story went on.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, if you're looking for a fun fantasy read that keeps you guessing, then be sure to grab this book.

Well of Eida is scheduled to be released February 3, and will be available on Amazon.

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Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton

A quick paced, apocolyptic coming of age story.

Synopsis:

Florida is slipping away. As devastating weather patterns and rising sea levels wreak gradual havoc on the state’s infrastructure, a powerful hurricane approaches a small town on the southeastern coast. Kirby Lowe, an electrical line worker, his pregnant wife, Frida, and their two sons, Flip and Lucas, prepare for the worst. When the boys go missing just before the hurricane hits, Kirby heads out into the high winds in search of his children. Left alone, Frida goes into premature labor and gives birth to an unusual child, Wanda, whom she names after the catastrophic storm that ushers her into a society closer to collapse than ever before.

As Florida continues to unravel, Wanda grows. Moving from childhood to adulthood, adapting not only to the changing landscape, but also to the people who stayed behind in a place abandoned by civilization, Wanda loses family, gains community, and ultimately, seeks adventure, love, and purpose in a place remade by nature.

Told in four parts—power, water, light, and time—The Light Pirate mirrors the rhythms of the elements and the sometimes quick, sometimes slow dissolution of the world as we know it. It is a meditation on the changes we would rather not see, the future we would rather not greet, and a call back to the beauty and violence of an untamable wilderness.

Thoughts: 

This book pulls you right in. I was so pulled into this book, in my first sitting I looked up and had suddenly read 80 pages. It is a high anxiety read, but not the kind you have to set down to breathe, but the kind where the pages keep turning.

The writing style was on point for me. We switched character point of views often, but each one was raw and real. I think that the story is told in present tense also adds to it's overall atmosphere.  As the story unfolded we heard their hopes, their regrets, and their sorrows as they happened.

Wanda's journey is dramatic coming of age story during a drastic period of climate change. Wanda was poorly named (after the hurricane that changed so many people's lives), sets the stage for her to be picked on.  She grows up watching her town constantly change, and slowly most of the people she knows leaves for higher ground as the sea rises.  It's a lovely, and terrifyingly dramatic story with a good balance of potential real science mixed in with enough bits of fantasy and imagination.

If you enjoy dystopian/apocolyptic stories, with a side of "this could be so real" and a bit of mystery I think you'd enjoy this book. 

Special thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the review copy!

The Light Pirate was published December 6, 2022 and is available on Amazon and Bookshop.

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Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Game Review: Unpacking

I'm sure it may come to no surprise, I don't spend all my time reading books. In 2023 I've decided to expand my reviews a bit to include video games. This is my first video game review, so hold on to your hats.  It's a relaxing cozy little game called  Unpacking by Witchbeam.

Synopsis:

This is a puzzle game, and you follow the life of someone through context clues in what you're unpacking. Unpacking begins in their childhood 90's home, and we follow their life through each move, from college, to relationships, to break ups, and more. In each of these moves you have to upack the boxes and find a place for each item.  Items have a specific area they need to be placed...clothes in the closet, books on a shelf, etc. You also get a nice little relaxing ASMR affect as you put things away.

Storyline:

I love how Unpacking tells you a story with out using any words or text. You can tell with some sentimental items that you see packed over and over again. Their stuffed pig, the Eifle Tower..or even some posters that we keep seeing, but with a little wear each time we unpack it. The soccer ball that gets traded in for the weights and yoga mat, and the family pictures that were framed or put on the fridge. 

Gameplay and Graphcis:

The gameplay is easy. Just click on the box, an item pops out and you can place it.  Right click to turn it around. You can click on drawers, and cabinet doors to place items inside. You can also click to the neighoring room if the item doesn't belong in the room you're in.

The graphics are basic, nothing too elaborate. If you look closely at some of the books and videos you might see something that resembles familiar things. The music is calm and relaxing, and not too loud that you can still hear the statisfying sound of your items being put away.

Overall, Unpacking was a surprisingly enjoyable game. I finished the game in just a few hours, and felt it was clean enough to let me eight year old also play it. He didn't like it as much as I did though. Any one who is looking for a stress free, puzzle type, game to unwind with would enjoy this game.

Difficulty level: Easy

Release date: 11/2/2021

Genre: puzzle game

Available on  Xbox, Playstation, Switch, PC (through Steam).

Disclaimer: I purchased this game on my own, and gave it an honest review.  There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.

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Lume by TM Ghent

Synopsis:

The capital city of Lume is on the brink of chaos. A newly formed underground city begins a rebellion, threatening Lume's complacent king.

A Prince, content with a warm bed and a full glass, must choose between his family and his honor.

A Girl, buried beneath her past, must decide whether to risk everything she has for her dreams.

A Lawless, forged to be a leader among the rebels, must find a way to remain in control.

They never wanted to be heroes.

Ruled by old traditions, Lume is plagued with new technology it isn't ready for. In a world filled with betrayal, hard truths, and broken pasts, can Lume be saved or will it succumb to its eventual destruction?

Rating:

Thoughts:

Is this a fantasy book yes? Is this a sci-fi book? Also yes.

I love a good fantasy novel, and TM Ghent's debut novel did not dissapoint. The world building was done beautifully as she introduced us to her world, with it's unique economics, politics, and even different names for the seasons and the sun. Prince Rajveer hasn't had the easy life I think that most people assume he has.  They think he's a spoiled prince, except that while he may have money, his father is emotionally unavailable and abusive.  Theodora, our FMC is a strong independent lead but also has a vulnerability that she keeps locked away. Her ex-girlfriend, Danika, who is a satelle (think king's guard, or even a knight) was a brilliant way to show Theodora's growth. One of my favorite quotes from the book shows this growth.  Yesss, Theodora. 

There's also Maddox, which is a bit of a mystery, and love interest of Theodora's. They've known each other for most of their lives, and Theodora does her best to keep him and everyone else at a safe distance from her heart, but as they work together on a job for the prince she finds herself spending more time with him. 

This duology leaves us hanging a bit at the end so fair warning...it's a "to be continued" type of ending. Definitely looking forward to book two to see how this all plays out.

Lume is available for purchase at Amazon and Bookshop.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Delicate Betrayal by Jessaca Whillis

Viking Queen out to slay a dragon? Yes, please.

Synopsis: 

A marriage to save the kingdom. A betrayal to leave it in ruins.

When Aenwyn’s magic unleashes a reign of dragons upon the kingdoms, she agrees to marry King Everard to atone for the devastation she's caused.

Queendom proves to be as dissatisfying as their loveless marriage. Until the day that fate answers her pleas for adventure with a vision of flames and a chance at redemption.

When the ruggedly handsome knight, Ser Darius Graeme, sees Queen Aenwyn fleeing the castle, he is bound by his oath to the king to chase after her and bring her back unharmed.

But nothing will stop Aenwyn from slaying the dragon and claiming its heart—and perhaps the knight’s as well.

Thoughts:

Viking Queen? Yes, please. This was a well paced, well laid out book with an original plot and storyline. Aenwyn's origins are difficult to empathize with, having seen her entire community die. Being the only survivor of her community, she lived alone for very long time, having been described as feral by those who found her. She was adopted by Baug the Bear, who was the leader of his clan.  She later enters into an arranged marriage partly due to her responsibility in accidentally hatching a dragon that has killed thousands of people. She seizes an opportunity to escape her controlling husand to go slay the dragon...and by chance, she is followed by and then aided by Ser Darius.

Aenwyn I felt was constantly trying to refind herself, and her strength in this story.  Her marriage to the king was contractual and loveless, and when they married the king bound her magic with a ring. For a year she submitted to him, wore the ring, and tried her best to be an obedient wife. She bubbled over with frustration, and on her journey with Ser Darius seemed to have found herself.  The love story between Aenwyn and Ser Darius has left me a bit confused. Other than being physically attracted to each other I'm struggling to see what else their connection is.  He seems pretty foolish at the beginning of the book, even if he is solidly a good guy. I felt the struggle of loyalties between him and the king, and the queen could have been done with more depth.  I hope that it's touched upon more in book two. 

There were lots of twists and turns, and plots that I didn't see coming. Overall I enjoyed the book and recommend for anyone in the mood for a forbidden romance with a Queen who finds her own badassery! 

A Delicate Betrayal is available on Amazon and Bookshop.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Embrace of Shadows by Jes Drew

Synopsis:

She’s a mortal with no memories.
As her fae liege, he knows only that he must protect her.
But is he her hero . . . or her captor?

Salma knows only her own name. She doesn’t even remember why she’s ill. Then a fae lord who claims he knows her snatches her back to his manor, and she learns that some things are more sinister than death. Like the Court of Dusk where everyone seems to know more about her than she does and nightfall is a deadly affair.

Adom’s book of truth tells him that the woman he doesn’t recognize is a vital member of his household. But the Manor keeps its secrets well, even from its own master. And even the Shadows seem to want the beautiful, mortal nuisance he has pledged to protect.

As the threat of an invasion from night itself continues to mount, Adom knows there will be consequences if he can’t protect her. And Salma wonders if she can trust him to protect her from himself. Because sometimes Adom isn't the begrudging, aloof fae he appears to be. Sometimes he's someone— or perhaps something— else.

The beginning of a haunting, slow-burn, closed-door fae romance with elements of Beauty & the Beast, Hades & Persephone, and Egyptian mythology. Perfect for fans of Sylvia Mercedes, Tara Grayce, and Emma Ham.

Thoughts:

First of all, I inhaled this book in about 24 hours. It's a quick, light read that's a slow burn with no strong female character. She is constantly tripping, falling down, and needing her love interest to rescue her. I can't read books like this all the time, but from time to time it's genuinly a guilty pleasure.

You have the slowest of the slow burns.  Adom is a bit grouchy and stand-offish and Salma is sweet, innocent, and somewhat naive, specially since she has had her entire memory wiped. The world building was gradual, we learn what's happened as Salma does. There's a mention of Hades, but honestly this reminds me a bit more of Beauty and the Beast then Hades and Persephone type story.

If you're looking for a quick easy read, with lots of damsel in distress, be sure to add this one to your TBR. Fair warning...the ending is a bit unresolved, not quite a cliffhanger but definitely with questions unanswered.  Looking forward to book two!

Embrace of Shadows is available at Bookshop and Amazon.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Death in a Dark Alley by Bradley Pay

 

Synopsis:

Tracey Lauch may be a murderer, but he is still a man. Although his childhood abandonment trauma began decades ago, now his compulsion to strangle women who resemble his mother has begun to evolve. Outrunning his past, embracing love in the present, and creating a future free of investigation proves increasingly complicated.

Isabelle’s life in Brazil is burdened with mistakes and abandonment, too – but not in the same way. She falls in love with all the wrong men at all the wrong times, and her best friend Frank shows his true colors when, over and over again, he is not there for her when she needs him most. Aside from the stark difference that Isabelle is not a murderer, she and Tracey both desire love, a life partner, and the warmth of a family. 

But what does Isabelle’s story have to do with Tracey? How can an innocent trip to Strasbourg, France, become a heart-stopping event that changes their lives forever?

Trigger Warnings: violence, sexual content

Thoughts:

This is book two in the Spectrum Series, book one being The Killings Begin. In this book, we are taken through the past history of some of the characters we met in book one. We find out how Lydia and Mari met. We meet Frank and learn about his history, his troubled past, his relationships. We meet Isabella and how she had a friendship with Frank. We also find out the struggles of Isabella and what she does to survive when she strikes off on her own. Frank takes Isabella on a trip to meet his Uncle Victor; Isabella and Victor have their own story. And we meet a whole host of other characters.

 We get just a bit more of the relationship between Tracey Lauch and Charlotte, and some of their travel adventures. Tracey is a wildly captivating man, but he has a darkness to him. Personally, I want more of Tracey’s story, what makes him tick, the reason he does what he does, the meaning behind his triggers. What makes Charlotte so special to Tracey?

I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was filled with drama, romance and intrigue. It is amazing how these books in the Spectrum series can stand on their own. Can't wait for the next one.

Death in a Dark Alley is Book Two in Bradley Pay's Spectrum Series and is available on Amazon and Bookshop.

Contirbuting Reviewer:

My name is Lissa I am a wife, mom aspiring author and new Florida transplant who loves all things books and coffee! Self proclaimed nerd who refuses to stop believing in Fairytales! If you want to follow along on my book review journey you can follow me on Instagram at @reviewsonwheels.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Blog Tour: Secrets of Isoria by Cristina Macari

 

Ya'll, I'm excited to participate in my very first creative blog tour! This tour is for Secrets of Isoria by Cristina Macari, and is hosted by MTMC Tours. Set in an elite academy for sorcerers filled with magic, romance, betrayals and some serious twists and turns. Secrets of Isoria is the first installment in the YA Contemporary Fantasy series published on December 13th 2021.

About the book:

Title: Secrets of Isoria

Author: Cristina Macari
Series: Secrets of Isoria #1
Publication Date: December 13th, 2021
Genres: YA Contemporary Fantasy
Format: eBook, Paperback, Hardcover
Purchase a copy: Amazon | Book Depository |
Barnes &Noble | Indiebound | Blackwell's

Add on Goodreads!

Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Orion Candor has always felt like an outsider. Concealing her weird, unexplained abilities hasn't been easy, and a near-death experience turns her world upside down. She learns she has elemental powers and must train at an elite academy in Isoria, a hidden country for sorcerers. But dark forces begin to test Orion in ways she couldn’t have imagined.

Fear and treachery haunt Isoria's streets as the country’s most malicious sorcerer, Cyril Obsidian, craves domination. But Orion discovers her late grandmother hid clues leading to a relic that can turn the tide of evil. Determined to solve the mysteries of her past, Orion finds herself on the run from Cyril and entangled in a spy ring with questionable motives—the same spy ring her grandmother once belonged to.

In a world that thrives on deception, Orion must choose her allies carefully. One wrong move and she could lose Isoria’s last chance at freedom—along with her life.

Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book you guys. If you enjoy fantasy, magic school type books definitely check this out. The world building was gradual, as the MC was basically as much in the dark as you are when we start this story. We learn as she does what Isoria is and her place in it. It's a little bit of who dunnit, a little bit of who's actually the bad guy, and the good guy that will just kind of keep you guessing. 

This definitely feels like a YA book, as Orion is just sixteen. She is coping with so much for being such a young main character. Her closest allies are Rae, Julian and Alec...along with Banden who took her in while her mother had to be away.  She deals with lots of trust issues as EVERYONE seems to know things she doesn't, and even her mother kept her in the dark about her having powers.

We have a spy ring, a heist, political intrigue, a mystery all wrapped up in one book. 

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For my part of this creative blog tour, I pushed my graphics skills a bit and worked on a book mark for you guys! It has one of my favorite quotes in this story. I had so much fun making it while learning a new thing. Click on the image to download the free PDF, be sure to print it out on cardstock paper! Let me know what you think! 

INTL Tour-wide Instagram Giveaway!

Head over to my Instagram account to enter the tour giveaway where three lucky readers will win a physical copy of Secrets of Isoria!

Ends on December 24th, 2022. Winner will be announced on @mtmctours’ Instagram account.

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Tour Schedule:

December 12

@paperfury - Bookstagram; Book Blog

@dreaminginpages - Bookstagram

December 13

@bookspired - Bookstagram; BookTok

@monikasbookblog - Bookstagram

December 14

@thereaderandthechef - Bookstagram; Book Blog

@itbeganwiththestars - Bookstagram; BookTok

December 15

@gwendalyn_books_ - Bookstagram; Book Blog

@bookishqueenreads - Bookstagram

December 16

@amordeluna0 - Bookstagram; BookTok

@over.on.my.bookshelf - Bookstagram

December 17

@afaerytalee - Bookstagram; BookTok

@myrelationshipwith - Bookstagram

December 18

@dovireads - Bookstagram; BookTok

@purely_bookish - Bookstagram

December 19

@pavlinamich - Bookstagram; Book Blog

@mels_booksandhooks - Bookstagram

December 20

@rozanne_visagie - Bookstagram; BookTok

@dbookishprincess - Bookstagram

December 21

@heathen_booker - Bookstagram; Book Blog

@mulberryreads - Bookstagram

About Cristina Macari:

Cristina Macari is the author of the young adult contemporary fantasy series, Secrets of Isoria. She grew up in New Jersey and is the proud child of Italian immigrants. She holds a B.S. in History and double minored in Creative Writing and INternational Business at the Ramapo College of New Jersey. She has always loved the idea of magic hiding in our modern world and gets lost in creating in-depth worlds filled with secrets and danger. She hopes that she can help readers escape the everyday with her writing while entertaining and finding themselves and those they care about in her books. Just like her character, she hopes readers will discover they too have a place in this world. When she’s not writing or reading, she can be found horseback riding, spending time in nature, gaming, weightlifting, doing yoga, or playing piano.

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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The Forbidden Realms by H.C. Newell

 

An immersive continuation of the Fallen Light Series

If you haven't read the first book, stop and hop over to the review for Curse of the Fallen.

Synopsis:

Nerana is a sorceress. An exile. The Child of Skye.
And she isn't alone.

After a vicious attack against the Order of Saro, Nerana finds herself lost in the wastelands of Aragoth. Forbidden of humans or evae, the desert is a land teeming with fire and vengeance, and Nerana's only hope for survival lies in the trust of another.

Aélla, a powerful evaesh sorceress, travels the desert on a pilgrimage of sacrifice and strength. Determined to enter the Realms of elements and see her quest completed, she must survive the hardened warriors of the desert, the vaxros, who banished her kind for their land centuries ago.

But the vaxros aren't the only threat, and the weight of such imbalance could shift the fate of the world.

Thoughts:

I had a bit of a book hangover after reading this one.  In the best of ways. I love the world, and how immersive and complex it is. The characters and their development are also deeply complex, but don't let this intimidate you. Just dive in. 

We are still following Neer's story, and we have some new characters that were talked about in book 1 but we never met. Like I had hoped, we get to hear more about Avelloch's sister in this book.

Neer teams up with Aella, and we meet some new characters Y'ven, Dru, and Thallon.  These are all such unique, multidementional characters, and I love how they all come together to form this group. HC Newell writes her characters like real people with a history, triggers, and their own coping mechanisms. I think this is why I get so pulled in. There's so much thought in this entire series. I'm here for it.

 If you enjoyed GoT, LOTR, ACOTAR you will love this series. 

The Forbidden Realms is available on Amazon and is also on KU!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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