Review: The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima
Raisa and Han are back at it and better than ever (really!) in THE GRAY WOLF THRONE, the third book in Cinda Williams Chima’s YA high fantasy series.
Raisa and Han are back at it and better than ever (really!) in THE GRAY WOLF THRONE, the third book in Cinda Williams Chima’s YA high fantasy series.
Anne Bishop’s MARKED IN FLESH continues The Others series as prejudice, bigotry, and war rock the land of Thasia. Will Meg, Simon, & co. still be standing when the dust settles?
Beloved urban fantasy heroine Mercy Thompson and her allies are back in FIRE TOUCHED. Mercy has faced off against many foes and won, but this coyote shifter’s luck can only last for so long…
Hoping to get into more sci-fi graphic novels? As the first volumes in two series, ALEX + ADA VOL 1 and ORPHAN BLACK VOL. 1 may be a good place to start!
Sophie Jordan’s REIGN OF SHADOWS promises a lush, evocative fairy tale retelling that will capture reader’s hearts and steal their breath. Despite some interesting twists, I thought it failed to deliver on that promise.
The first two books in the YA fantasy trilogy THE REMNANT CHRONICLES are full of intrigue and betrayal. Add a feisty Princess and a swoon-worthy love triangle, and you’ve got the perfect beach reads!
THE BLOODFORGED introduces new characters, new interpersonal conflicts, and new cultures to the Bloodbound universe. Some of these new additions were more successful than others!
TOWER OF THORNS is a sequel that surpasses the brilliance of the series debut. Set in a lush world where fairy tales are real, and monsters – both the fantastical and the human – abound.
DARK HEART OF MAGIC is classic Jennifer Estep, action-packed and full of badass characters. But despite its strengths and similarities to the first book in the series, this one didn’t really work for me.
FANGS FOR THE MEMORIES is a funny prequel novella for the Half-Moon Hollow series, recounting the charming – and slightly ridiculous – story of how fan favourites Andrea and Dick became a couple. A must-read for Molly Harper fans!
SORCERER TO THE CROWN by Zen Cho was everything I wanted: witty and fun with enough substance to prompt a thoughtful look at the representation of people of colour in historical fantasy.
Patrick Ness is at the top of his game with THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE, a beautifully written and evocative novel about finding the extraordinary in an ordinary life. Add to that a loving send-up of YA sci-fi tropes, and you’ve got a winner!
Antiquities thief Owl is back with more action, quips, and globe-trotting. Although I really enjoyed the heroine and her vampire-hunting cat, some annoying secondary characters and a lack of world building prevented me from loving this one.
Kristin Cashore’s Graceling Realm series is often hailed as the one of the crowning jewels of YA fantasy. BITTERBLUE, the final book in the trilogy, is complex, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. A must-read for YA fantasy fans.
Rae Carson’s WALK ON EARTH A STRANGER is a compelling and beautifully written YA historical fantasy that transports readers into the time of the U.S. gold rush. Carson impresses with a heroine to root for and a diverse cast of characters.
LED ASTRAY by Kelley Armstrong is a short story anthology meant to highlight some of her best work across genres and many series. While this dark read may not be the very best of Kelley Armstrong, it’s nonetheless a fun read for longtime fans.
Sylvia Izzo Hunter’s LADY OF MAGICK is a beautifully written and subtly complex fantasy of manners, perfect for fans of historical fantasy. With no sign of “second book syndrome” in sight, this is a must for fans of the first book in the series.
While entertaining, Kelley Armstrong’s DECEPTIONS suffers from a lack of plot and several extremely aggravating moments. Thankfully Liv and company remain characters worth rooting for, and the series hasn’t lost its potential.
Erin Lindsey’s THE BLOODBOUND is the perfect beach read for fantasy fans. Combining traditional sword and sorcery with a heavy dose of romance, Lindsey introduces a formidable heroine you can’t help but root for.
While it took me forever and a day to read Scott Lynch’s fantastic debut THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA, every moment was a joy. In more than 500 pages, I was never once bored or distracted with the fantastic characters and the mind bending plot.
Sylvia Izzo Hunter’s debut novel THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN is a clever and sophisticated historical fantasy that boasts charming characters and a delightful alternate Regency setting. Add in a dash of feminism and romance and what more could a historical fantasy fan ask for?
Beloved urban fantasy author Chloe Neill introduces us to a quasi-dystopian New Orleans and its supernatural ghetto Devil’s Isle in THE VEIL, the first in a new series. With strong world building and an atmospheric setting, THE VEIL should have been a slam dunk – but unfortunately I thought that its characters and romantic sub-plot fell flat.
Rachel Aaron’s ONE GOOD DRAGON DESERVES ANOTHER is witty, fresh, and fun. A sequel that expands on world building, characters, and the series plot makes this one a winner.
SECONDS by Bryan Lee O’Malley is probably one of the most original graphic novels I’ve ever read, at least in terms of plot. But unfortunately, the creativity of this story wasn’t enough to make up for a supremely frustrating protagonist.